Speaker Jim Black did not invent the political system that embroiled him in the scandals that led to his announcement, yesterday, that he will not seek an unprecedented fifth term as leader of the State House. Instead he inherited the system (the press calls it ‘pay to play’) just as other Democrat and Republican leaders before him.

So, who did invent ‘pay to play’? Some say it was Senate kingpin Marc Basnight. But I suspect the relationship between money, lobbyists and legislation is indigenous in our democratic system. No matter who is in power, unless they have the character of, say, George Washington, this form of corruption, driven by the combination of politicians’ need for money and special interest need for legislative favors, grows each year and its tentacles dig deeper and deeper into the political world.

Today, I expect Black is asking himself, What did I do that other Democrats and Republicans haven’t done? The answer may be nothing. Black just happened to be in power when the corruption grew so pervasive there was a backlash. And in a way, no matter how unfortunate it is for him personally, Black’s fall from power may serve a useful purpose. His squeaker reelection in a safe Democrat district, sagging popularity statewide and the press’s relentless pursuit of the scandals involving him has sent a clear message to other elected officials.

Corruption gets out of hand then driven by public outrage the pendulum swings back in the other direction. That is part of the equilibrium of the system righting itself. Black’s misfortune was he became the focal point of the backlash.

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