Monday, October 21, 2002
Cruel and unusual punishment: They can be convicted in the court of law. They can go to jail. They can be publicly shamed. They’ll have a record for the rest of their lives for abusing their public trust. But, for God’s sake, don’t take away their state pensions. No! Not that! That would truly constitute cruel and unusual punishment in Massachusetts. Keep in mind: The Herald didn’t examine all the state pension funds to find out who’s convicted snout is still in the public trough. Says former state attorney general Scott Harshbarger: “This is just another example where, in Massachusetts, public corruption and the penalties for it become meaningless.” There's also a swipe at voters for cynically allowing these antics to continue. Cynical? Moi?
