Former Representative Bob Ney (R-Ohio) was sentenced to 30 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release and 200 hours of community service and fined $6,000.

His crime? He solicited and accepted bribes from Syrian businessman Fouad al Zayat and disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. He facilitated specific legislative actions in direct response to the bribes paid.

Assistant Attorney general Alice S. Fisher said, “Today’s sentence makes it clear that our government is not for sale.” However, it seems to at least be available for lease. This sentence is amazing light based on what Ney did. I believe life in prison, rather than 30 months followed by a $29,000 a year pension and a few hours of community service would have sent a message loud and clear to the American people. If you are an elected official and you break the trust of your constituents and put your office up for sale, the price you pay should be severe – even Draconian. When – and only when – that happens will the American people believe the government is demanding of it’s elected officials what we should all be expecting.