Indeed. I think it's safe to assume all these folks are corrupt, and it's not hard to understand why. I always have a little chuckle to myself when I see people refer to the fact that legislators don't get paid exhorbitant salaries. By comparison, their salaries are far from eye-popping, but as demonstrated (with authority) by Mr. Rangel in this case, there are plenty of opportunities to supplement their income.

The vast majority of these folks are attorneys by trade. I suppose that stands to reason, as people who make a living practicing law should be the ones best qualified to make laws. Something that most attorneys have in common is that they earn what most would consider a great living; certainly more than a Congressman's salary. So why take the salary cut to serve the public? For the "power," you say? Well, if you believe that money and power go hand-in-hand, you could make that argument, but I think the honest answer is that the supplemental income is substantial. No different from you and I, capitalist dogs that we are, why wouldn't they choose to sieze those opportunities?

I don't like it, but I do think I understand it.