Eruption of Corruption?

Motorcyclist Eric Wells was killed in August while sitting at a red light. Drunk driver? Drunk police officer. Although the facts are quite clear, justice has not been served because the officer’s .19 blood alcohol level was considered inadmissible evidence due to a procedural error on the part of investigative authorities; detectives that were colleagues of and friends with the reckless cop.

Sadly, corruption in governmentally-funded agencies is not unique to this incident and internal fraud is far too widespread among civil servants, elected persons, and state-employees. This is not to say that all such officials are conniving evildoers out to deceive the general populace, because they’re not. Most officials embody responsibility and act by the code of their office with the wellbeing of their constituents in mind. The power of office seems to cause some officials to lose sight of their public commitments and take advantage of the system. What is unclear is whether these practices are increasing, decreasing, or remaining steady over time. The fact remains that when entrusted with the responsibilities of office or public service the potential for corruption, cover-ups, and otherwise condemned behavior is a looming threat. Personally, I argue that these practices remain consistent over time and are just as relevant today as they were at any other point in our nation’s modern history.

In the case of the late Eric Wells, it turns out that the officer’s BAC will not be considered because the improper authorities drew his blood. The defense claims that the breathalyzer results should also be thrown out, and the officer maintains his innocence. Am I the only one that finds it a conflict of interest that the police department for which the officer worked botched an internal investigation? How has this story not made national headlines? As of now, the officer has been indicted on reckless homicide charges. It appears that the family of the deceased will have to come to grips with the fact that justice and closure may not come for their son.

I highlight the Wells case not to portray all police officers as malicious and irresponsible criminals. That is clearly wrong. My father was a member of SWAT and I realize that these incredibly brave individuals put their lives on the line so that we can live a safer existence. The same can be said for firefighters, members of the United States Military, and individuals involved in law enforcement and public safety. Despite these facts, cases like this illustrate that corruption still exists among these ranks. When individuals grossly violate the most basic safety standards and laws a punishment is warranted, regardless of job title.

At the national level, cover-ups have taken place in the executive branch across several decades. Richard Nixon’s involvement with the Watergate Scandal is perhaps the most thoroughly documented and recognized political scandal in American history involving our Commander-in-Chief. Nixon resigned under the threat of impeachment for his part in breaking into the Democratic National Headquarters.

More than twenty-five years later, President Bill Clinton was accused of partaking in adulterous acts with Gennifer Flowers and Paula Jones, but neither led to any official action. However, Clinton almost met a Nixon-like fate after an unbelievably public affair with Monica Lewinsky, a White House intern. All that remains from the incident, however, is a rather small stain on the Presidential Seal (I mean blue dress).

Indecency at the highest level continues to this day with John Edwards making national headlines. It is alleged that the married politician conceived a child with a campaign aide and paid her to keep the story out of the public eye.

Undeniably, these instances did not result in the demise of another human being, and as such, I do not mean to draw a direct parallel between the death and the media frenzy surrounding political corruption. My concern is with the priority our media assigns to stories. I would be willing to bet that if you are not from the Indianapolis area then you did not hear about Mr. Wells’ death and the outrageous details surrounding the handling of the murderer– yes, I said it. Conversely, I would be shocked if any readers did not hear of the scandals involving Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, or John Edwards at the time they broke.

Obviously a sex scandal or break-in involving the most powerful man in the world will attract more attention than one death at the hands of a police officer under the influence of alcohol. But in a case as dishonest and unjust as this, I cannot help but wonder if the national media heads blacked out at the time of this accident too.