What Did You Know And When Did You Know It?
I was sorry to see Paul McNulty, the Deputy Attorney General who yesterday submitted his resignation, get caught up in the controversy over the firing of nine U.S. Attorneys. His role in the matter remains somewhat unclear, at least to me, but his testimony before Congress gave the impression he was fairly detached from the firings.

The furor, of course, springs from the perception by many that the firings strictly were politically motivated, that the U.S. Attorneys let go were disloyal to the Bush Administration's agenda, shown by their pursuit or non-pursuit of cases in their various states.

When I worked for the Friends on Capitol Hill, I had a couple of occasions to work with Paul McNulty, who over that time served in a variety of capacities for congressional offices and committees. Even though he was an extremely busy person, he graciously agreed to meet with student groups when I invited him to discuss criminal justice issues, and he took seriously the students and their interest.

My impression of Paul McNulty was that he was an upstanding person, highly intelligent, and committed to public service. I'm sure he and I have numerous differences of opinion on political issues, but it's difficult for me to picture him being involved in political mischief. So, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt, and I wish him well in whatever path he follows.

The whole scandal, though, points out the traps and snares of power. Sometimes, those who reach positions of power or authority -- political or even in the church -- see themselves as "above it all," and untouchable. They easily can lose sight of what's right, instead finding it irresistible to succumb to self-serving decisions and priorities. Those who don't play their game are "disloyal."

The taste of power is very intoxicating, and it seems sometimes the more you have, the more you want. Meanwhile, as corruption takes hold, the greater interest is not served, nations, groups or congregations are fractured, and everyone suffers.

It's disgraceful in national politics, and unfortunately, not uncommon. It's antithetical to the Gospel in the church, and likewise a part of the landscape.