Why Congress Is Allowed to Engage in Insider Trading When Nobody Else Is
The phrase 'nobody is above the law' in the United States is often misleading. It is essential to emphasize that this holds true with a notable exception: Members of Congress and, by extension, the President. The Department of Justice (DOJ) frequently turns a blind eye to violations committed by these high-ranking officials, prioritizing their self-interest over public interest.
Insider trading is explicitly illegal for anyone, including Congressmembers. They are privy to sensitive information that could provide a significant advantage in the financial markets. Engaging in insider trading by leveraging such information for personal gain is a flagrant violation of the law. Yet, the DOJ consistently allows such actions to go unpunished, suggesting a bias towards protecting corrupt practices within the government.
The DOJ's Role in Shielding Corruption
It is critical to recognize that the DOJ is not simply investigating or prosecuting violations of the law. Instead, it seems to be actively protecting members of Congress from self-inflicted legal consequences. This failure to enforce the law undermines public trust in the justice system and contributes to widespread cynicism towards governmental institutions.
Consequently, the DOJ's inaction can be seen as complicity in corruption. When the very body responsible for enforcing the law is neglecting its duties, it sends a strong message: corruption is tolerated, even encouraged. This moral failure must be addressed to restore integrity to our justice system and ensure accountability.
The Law as a Tailored Tool
The insider trading laws that supposedly apply to everyone are, in reality, tailored to protect Congress and the President. These laws are not impartial; they are designed to benefit special interests, often facilitated by lobbyists who draft legislation that serves their interests. This raises questions about the legitimacy of the laws themselves and the true intentions behind their creation.
Moreover, the laws are often so complex that even the elected officials responsible for upholding them struggle to understand them. This has led to a culture of "pass it to find out what's in it," where the true intentions and impacts of bills remain obscured until well after they are passed. This inefficacy further compounds the problem, as ineffective legislation can lead to misallocated resources and policy failures.
Morality and Inaction in Government
Collectively, lawmakers do not appear to possess the moral compass required for ethical governance. Introducing a subtle variation of action, one might ask, 'How can they justify enriching themselves at the expense of public trust?' It is a conundrum when those in power create the very laws they avoid following. This systemic failure highlights a significant breach in ethical standards and a lack of accountability.
The disregard for ethical standards is not limited to the legislative branch. Similar issues exist within healthcare, particularly regarding medical errors. According to recent statistics, medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, which is alarming. The failure of the healthcare system to prioritize transparency and accountability, such as mandatory autopsies, reflects a pattern of ethical breeches. With fewer than 5% of deaths now undergoing autopsies, compared to more than 50% in the 1940s to 1960s, it is clear that the current system is failing the public.
The analogy of the fox guarding the henhouse aptly describes the current state of affairs. When power is given to entities with vested interests, the likelihood of ethical lapses increases. If we extrapolate the current trend in autopsies, it poses a significant hazard to public health. By restoring the number of autopsies to pre-1960 levels, we might mitigate some of the risks associated with medical errors, ultimately saving lives.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
The current state of affairs in both government and healthcare is alarmingly skewed towards self-interest over the public good. The DOJ's inaction, the unethical drafting of laws, and the systemic ethical failures within both branches of government demand immediate attention. It is imperative to hold lawmakers accountable and to seek reforms that ensure ethical governance and public trust. The alternative is a system that not only fails to protect the public but also undermines the very principles of justice and integrity.