Newspaper: Business as usual won't do

Pennsylvania's biggest newspaper, The Philadelphia Inquirer, which largely ignored the pay raise scandal in 2005, really likes the Bonusgate scandal of 2008.

The newspaper has devoted numerous articles and editorials on the latest example of corruption in Harrisburg.

The headline in today's editorial screams: "Hold them accountable"

From the editorial:

Pennsylvanians have a duty to demand better government. It's not enough for voters to "throw the bums out" once in a generation, as happened after the pay-raise scandal of 2005. Citizens need to keep after their legislators with regularity, whether the issue is property taxes, potholes or health insurance.

Public pressure is the only way to get honest government that responds to the needs of the people, instead of a legislature that protects its self-interests first.

One of the biggest obstacles to reforming Harrisburg has been the Philadelphia legislative delegation. It would be nice of the Inky would put some pressure on its hometown politicians.

Read the full editorial at the newspaper's Web site.