The Hiller Instinct: Chuck Turner

Government in Massachusetts is now exactly like the Stock Market: we don't trust it, we don't even want to look at it because we're afraid of what we'll see. And no one knows how low it will to go before it hits bottom.

It's not cynical to feel that way; it's self-defense.

City Councilor Chuck Turner is the newest pinup for political immorality in Boston...the State...and the Nation -- whether or not the charges against him are true.

In just a week, we've seen two State Senators and a United States Senator leave office in disgrace. And that doesn't even count Chuck Turner.

It was just seven days ago that James Marzilli from Arlington resigned from the State Senate following his indictment for sexual assault.

Then--just two days ago--Dianne Wilkerson became the second State Senator forced to quit, after she was indicted for extortion.

The Senate President, Therese Murray, said "The shadow is lifting and though one person may cast a temporary shadow, we are too strong, too determined, and too righteous as a collective body to allow any doubt to linger."

Righteous? Can you name anyone who would use that word to describe Beacon Hill, or City Hall, or Congress? I can't. And this is not just happening here.

In Washington yesterday, Alaska Senator Ted Stevens gave his final speech. If you didn't know he was convicted on Federal corruption charges, you might have thought he was a Saint:

"God bless the United States of America and our President and God bless the Senate, and every member of this body," Ted Stevens said.

And now there's Chuck Turner, who the FBI quotes as saying, "If you took out all corrupt politicians, you'd take out 90% and be left with us 10%."

If Turner's right when he says that, then I'd say 100% of us are in trouble. I'm Andy Hiller, and that's my instinct.

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