Mariano Sentenced to Six Year Term

Former Philadelphia councilman Rick Mariano was sentenced to six and a half years in a federal prison for corruption. It was revealed he accepted $23,000 in bribes while councilman.

Corruption is corruption regardless of political affiliation and should be condemned. The problem is often one of machine politics. Where you see machine politics you invariably see corruption. "Insiders" get too comfortable and begin seeing their positions and influence in terms of personal enrichment instead of as public service. It's up to media and prosecutors to shine light on such corrupt practices. It's also up to those on the "outside" to keep the insider machine politicos honest.