Unscrupulous Practices in Congress: Why Are Lawmakers Above the Law?

The concept of insider trading is a well-understood and widely condemned practice. It is illegal and unethical for individuals to profit from insider information. This principle applies to everyone, including Congress. However, despite the existence of laws prohibiting insider trading, members of Congress seem to be immune from these rules. This article explores the various reasons behind this legal double standard and the consequences of such practices.

The Legality of Insider Trading

It is unequivocal that insider trading is illegal. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has clear regulations against it. Similarly, the Department of Justice (DOJ) is tasked with enforcing these laws. However, these laws do not apply equally to everyone, including the members of Congress. This is a significant issue of concern, as political figures who are supposed to set examples of integrity and honesty are engaging in activities that are illegal for the general public.

Why the DOJ Does Nothing

The Department of Justice has been criticized for its inaction. This lack of enforcement indicates a systemic issue. If the DOJ is so willing to allow members of Congress to break the law, it raises questions about its own integrity and the moral compass guiding its actions. This inaction can be seen as a form of complicity, as it normalizes illegal behavior.

The Unearned Privilege: From Lawmakers to Special Interests

A significant part of the problem lies in the creation and interpretation of laws. Members of Congress are the ones who draft and pass laws, including those that govern insider trading. This creates a conflict of interest, where the same individuals who create the rules are exempt from them. Furthermore, special interest groups and lobbyists often have a significant influence on the legislative process. These groups help write bills and ensure their passage, all while avoiding the laws they are advocating for.

The lack of transparency and understanding of the legislative process exacerbates this issue. Due to the complexity and the influence of special interests, even knowledgeable citizens find it challenging to comprehend the bills before them. The result is a system where laws are created by those who are exempt from them, and the public is often kept in the dark.

Setting an Example: The Importance of Accountability

The primary responsibility of lawmakers is to uphold the law and set examples for the public. When they fail to do so, it undermines the trust of the population in the legal and political systems. The failure to hold powerful individuals accountable creates a culture of impunity, where breaking the law goes unchecked.

Moreover, the analogy to the healthcare system further highlights the issue. In medicine, the failure to order autopsies and the increasing death toll due to medical errors can be seen as a similar problem. The decision to allow powerful entities to regulate their own actions often leads to detrimental outcomes. If the healthcare system faces criticism for this issue, it is no less justified to hold lawmakers accountable for similar actions.

The Way Forward

To address these issues, there must be a comprehensive overhaul of the legal and legislative processes. This includes:

Increased Transparency: Make the legislative process more transparent, so that the public can better understand and participate in it. Stronger Enforcement: Hold all individuals, including members of Congress, accountable for their actions. The DOJ must enforce the laws it upholds. How to Pass Important Changes: Ensure that important changes must be made public and discussed before they are passed to prevent unilateral decision-making.

Ultimately, the integrity of the legal and political systems depends on the ability to hold all individuals accountable. Without this, the legitimacy and trust of these institutions are at risk.

It is crucial that we demand accountability and transparency from our lawmakers. Only then can we create a system that is truly just and fair for all.