Government ethics

The editorial "Clear Ethical Standards Are a Must," Jan. 22, which comments on the necessity for ethical standards in government to be clear and concise, is well taken. But ethical misbehavior is more and more the result, not of murky standards, but rather of raw, unbridled power.

For example, Congress has seated an impeached ex-judge in the House of Representatives. Article I, Section 3, paragraph 7 of the Constitution says: "Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust, or profit under the United States." You can't get much clearer than that. Impeachment carries two punishments: removal from office and disqualification from holding any other. Congress carried removal and i gnored disqualification.

How can we expect ethical behavior from others in government when Congress itself violates the very Constitution it has sworn to uphold? John R. Carter, Earlysville, Va.

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