GOP conservative with ideas, not money

Republicans have a reputation for their staunch, conservative position on most topics. Recently though, the nation's more prudent political party's financial transactions have been placed front and center in the media world. 

From plush party planning to the pork attached to the nation's sweeping health care reform, the actions of the government's stewards are constantly being scoured by the circumspect eye of the public. 

Someone should have sent this memo to the Republicans.

In February, The Federal Election Commission reported that the Republican National Convention paid a nearly $2,000 reimbursement for meal expenses at a lesbian-themed California nightclub that features topless dancers wearing bondage gear. The report also included tens of thousands of dollars in expenditures for luxury jets, limousines and posh hotels.

Please keep in mind that this bill was for the month of February alone.

The spending patterns of the GOP representatives have gotten so out of hand that RNC chairman Michael Steele was questioned concerning his party's expenditures.

He has yet to submit a response, but some of his staff was terminated shortly after the audits were released.

Although these monies were appropriated through financial backers of the RNC and not taxpayers' dollars, the public can't help but to raise an eyebrow at the way these politicians have decided to indulge their money. 

It appears as though they don't mind pushing the envelope and scoffing at what voters and supporters may think of their actions.

I do understand that work can be done in a relaxed atmosphere. However, an alternatively themed "nightclub" is a bit of a stretch, especially coming from the GOP. 

Spending $2,000 at a nightclub to conduct business in a casual environment is not the issue; feeling at liberty to write off a night of gallivanting under the guise of work is the problem that I see here.

Incidents like these seem to be the norm for most politicians. Year in and year out there is always some scandal involving the misappropriation of funds or gifts for someone holding a public position. 

We look to these people to reinforce the thread of our moral fabric while in office, yet their transgressions supersede our expectations of them more often than we would desire.

Let us hope that the recent criticisms suffered by the Republican Party will raise awareness about lavish government spending. 

Jaye Cole

Junior, Mass Communications

Sacramento