Traficant's last hurrah

Today, Jim Traficant is the most colorful and outspoken member of Congress. \nTomorrow, he might be gone. \nCongress is about to perform a great disappearing act -- expulsion. Traficant, a Democrat from Ohio who has been convicted of taking bribes and kickbacks, will likely be expelled for these actions this week. But, to describe the saga of Jim Traficant in one sentence would be like writing a one paragraph, comprehensive description of America's history. It ain't gonna happen.\nTraficant began his political career in 1980, when he was elected as county sheriff. As sheriff, he gained national notoriety by refusing to evict laid-off steelworkers unable to make mortgage payments. In the economically depressed area where he lives, this courageous action earned him popularity. He was indicted in 1983 for taking bribes and defended himself successfully, even though he is not a lawyer. Jim Traficant beat the FBI and, according to him, the FBI never forgot.\nDuring his time as sheriff, Traficant came off as a man of the people and, in 1984, the people sent Traficant to the people's house -- the U.S. House of Representatives. Over the last 17 years, Traficant has been the House's most outspoken maverick. \nTraficant frequently derides members of his own party, and, though he is a Democrat in name, he voted to make Dennis Hastert (a Republican) the Speaker of the House. According to Traficant, the Democrats ruined this country during the last half-century, and the Republicans are the only hope for the future. He is best known for his famous one-minute speeches on the House floor when he rants against anything from the laughable to the most serious, often concluding his remarks with the phrase "Beam me up." In a town where the unexpected is often looked down upon, it is fair to say that Traficant made a few people mad. But his time in Washington appears to be coming to an end.\nThis April, Traficant was convicted of racketeering, bribery and tax evasion. His conviction prompted a House ethics committee investigation and last week, the panel recommended Traficant be expelled. The full House will likely concur. But, it cannot be questioned that Jim Traficant will go out with a bang, and it is just as indisputable that many people, including myself, will miss his antics.\nAs much as I hate to believe it, Traficant probably deserved to be convicted (he claims the FBI only went after him because he beat them in 1983). He got caught and will do the time. But, he surely isn't the only member of Congress who was influenced by money. Many congressmen solicit multi-thousand dollar contributions from large corporations and vote in ways favorable to these corporations. The difference? These contributions are legal.\nIn an era where image often trumps substance, many congressmen are experts at the law -- knowing exactly how far they can push it without breaking it. But Traficant blatantly broke the law and while he deserved to be caught, I can't help but wonder if it's a little hypocritical that other congressmembers don't get ostracized for the legalized bribes they solicit.\nBut, regardless of what is right or wrong, Jim Traficant will soon be gone. His massive amount of hair and denim suits will go with him. His loud mouth and amusing antics will follow the same course. In his wake will remain some lawmakers who care more about their hair-dos than they do about helping Americans. Jim Traficant cares about Americans -- he just doesn't care about the law. And for that, he gets expelled. \nBeam me up.