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Congressman lambastes Bush, Republicans on ethical issues

California representative also discussed role of Judaism in his career.

Gretchen Meier

Media Credit: Steevens Alconcel | Daily Trojan Mr. Speaker. Henry Waxman represents California's 30th congressional district and spoke at USC Sunday.

House Rep. Henry A. Waxman, D-Calif., spoke about the influence of his Jewish values on his political career Sunday afternoon at the Andrus Gerontology Center.

The speech, which was presented by the Casden Institute for the Study of the Jewish Role in American Life, was part of the eighth annual Carmen and Louis Warshaw Distinguished Lecture Series.

Carmen Warshaw, a USC alumnus who established the lecture series with her husband, chose Waxman to speak because of their friendship spanning more than 45 years and his important role in the U.S. government.

"Waxman was always proud of being Jewish and he transfers this to his work in Congress," Warshaw said.

Waxman opened his speech by expressing appreciation for the series because it "brings people's attention to the vibrant Jewish life in Southern California."

Waxman said he always had a "strong Jewish identity," but as an adult he started to explore the Jewish religion.

"Judaism is about acting and doing the right thing, not simply believing in it or mindlessly following ritual," he said.

As a Jew in Congress, Waxman said he has held himself to Jewish ethical standards in the bills he supports and his work in the congressional committees since he was elected in 1976.

Although Waxman said that while Judaism had an impact on his professional, political and ethical life, the majority of his speech was concentrated on the lack of ethical practices within the current administration.

"(The) Republican leadership within Congress ignores presidential rules and norms and has no consideration for custom," Waxman said.

He cited arrogant congressional conduct as the main issue that inhibits the progress of the nation. Waxman said "a culture of corruption has developed in the nation's government that ignores ethical guidelines."

Waxman also said "the government has become obsessed with secrecy," which contributes to the disintegration of democratic values.

"Arrogance, secrecy, intolerance of dissent and lack of accountability are the main issues that need to be addressed in America's government," he said.

Waxman closed his speech saying his remarks "may be partisan and inappropriate for the lecture, but this country's government has turned away from American values, which are synonymous with Jewish values."

Waxman said "human rights, social justice and equal opportunities," values he holds as a Jew and as an American, "are in my opinion closer to a democratic position."

Rebecca Tuck, an attendee and a 1948 graduate of USC, said "I enjoyed the lecture and found it very interesting to see Waxman talk in person, but he could not cover all of my concerns within a 30 minute time frame." Tuck said she left with many unanswered questions.

Lindsay Lau, a sophomore majoring in political science, said "the lecture was a wonderful experience because it expanded my knowledge of the Jewish experience within the inner-workings of Congress."

Lau said the speech reiterated the importance of the 2006 elections and the impact of voter registration for her.

Lee Sherman, a senior majoring in political science and theater, said he appreciated the lecture because "USC has many distinguished speakers come to campus, but the lectures are often not open to students, while this one was."

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