Court opens doors of Congress to law

In a clear-cut victory for common sense, a federal judge ruled this week that a raid on a congressional office is legal. The case stems from the May 20 FBI search of the congressional offices of Rep. William Jefferson who is suspected of bribery. Liberal groups roundly condemned the late-night search as illegal, saying the offices of a congressman are off-limits to such searches.

The judge said a mouthful in his ruling. He said that to bar searches of lawmakers' offices would turn Capitol Hill into "a taxpayer subsidized sanctuary for crime." Actually some Americans already believe that is a pretty fair description of Congress in the first place.

Rep. Jefferson - according to the FBI - has used his position in Congress to work some sweetheart deals for telecommunications in Africa. In return, the FBI says, Jefferson demanded stock and cash payments. As part of the probe, the FBI found $90,000 neatly tucked away in Jefferson's home freezer. The feds have not revealed what they uncovered in his congressional office thus far.

We have such a wide divide in this nation on virtually every matter in life. I would think it would be clearly understood that if a law enforcement agency believes a crime has been committed, they would have the authority to search anywhere the courts would allow them to search. It matters not to me if it's a congressional office or a country club locker room.

But the Democrats have come to Jefferson's defense and argued the FBI overstepped its authority and should not be permitted to search a congressional office. When confronted with the clear evidence that perhaps Jefferson was indeed involved in some shady deals, the Democrats stick to their guns and defend one of their own.

Our old friend the Rev. Al Sharpton took to the spotlight to defend Rep. Jefferson. He wondered why federal authorities have yet to charge Jefferson with a crime.

Well Al, let me answer that for you. The feds are gathering evidence and if that evidence proves a crime was committed, they will indeed level charges. I'm betting good money that Jefferson will be charged with bribery. Money in the home freezer gives new meaning to the term "cold cash." But why would the Rev. Sharpton let a few obvious facts get in the way of his racial message of division? After all, he's made a career of that sort of divisiveness, so why stop now?

I cringe every time the courts get involved in our daily lives. But in this case - as well as others - we must look to the courts to provide common sense and guidance under the law. The judge was on target with his ruling and it's time all of the American public - regardless of their party affiliation - recognizes the wisdom of this single ruling.