Editor, Times-Union: Former superintendent of schools, Tony Bennett, made the ridiculous statement, “It is absurd that anyone would believe that I would change the grade of a school based on a political donor or trying to hide schools from accountability.” Why does he view that sentiment to be “absurd.” It is exactly this type of quid pro quo that American politics is based on. I give you a busload of money. You get elected. You then give me a sweet government contract, a bureaucratic do-nothing appointment (maybe in Homeland Security), jobs for the family, favorable votes on certain legislation – the possibilities are endless. If this type of transaction were to take place on a street corner involving far less money, an arrest would be imminent. In American politics it is business as usual. Janet Collins Etna Green, via email
