"I Didn't Realize What All Was in It" [Congressmen dismayed by McCain-Feingold details]

Reason on line ^ | February 19, 2003 | Jacob Sullum

[The Toad]

Don't these guys we elect read any of the laws they pass or do they simply not take their positions that seriously?

[Lancey Howard]

In any case, it's richly satisfying to see legislators worry that they might be tossed in jail for a seemingly trivial mistake such as speaking at the wrong event or letting your name appear on an invitation. This is the kind of fear and uncertainty their convoluted laws routinely impose on ordinary Americans.

Except that the political mafia does not throw it's own people in jail. Nobody will ever go to jail for violating CFR. Maybe somebody will get a fine they never have to actually pay, but that's about it.

[The Wizard]

all of us out here knew this........

[c-b 1]

A violation of McCain-Feingold — be it a national party official's soft-money raising, or a senator's acting as a host at a fund-raiser on behalf of a governor — is a felony carrying a prison sentence of as much as five years.

Can we please not appeal this thing to the Supreme Court until AFTER the next election?

I want to see just one senator who signed this thing hauled away in plastic cuffs with his jacket over his head. Just one!

Be advised:

It ain't gonna happen!

The felony carrying a prison sentence of as much as five years, clause applys to all federal, state, and county party officials.

Can you say PATSYS?

[Registered]

[DLfromthedesert]

And let's pray that it's McCain!!

[hellinahandcart]

Most excellent.

[Diver Dave]

Makes me wonder who would actually prosecute said offenders?!? Appointed Attorney's General? Elected State Attorneys?

[aculeus]

Great!

[An.American.Expatriate]

I think we should find the name and a quotation for every representative & senator who claims to "not know" / "did'nt read" etc. This information should eb prominately broadcast as it attests to the utter stupidity and dereliction of these members. They should be excluded from all further elections.

[Rensselaer]

It's worth noting that most violations of McCain-Feingold are still just civil violations, carrying fines and no possibility of jail time. However, "knowing and willful" violations are now felonies. Most violations of the law are not found to be knowing and willful, which can be hard to prove.

P.S. This is in no way an apologia for this gawdawful bill. But it's bad enough without exagerating its effects.

[Rensselaer]

I noted in another post that this article exagerates a bit - most violations of McCain-Feingold will still be mere "civil" violations, with no possibility of jail time. Only "knowing and willful" violations - which are very hard to prove - result in jail time.

[retiredtexan]

And we elected these people to "guide" our lives. They are good at talking a good game,but they sarn sure do not perform.