Final Word from Thursday, June 7, 2012
Career opportunities started looking bleak for many MPs the
moment Parliament lifted David Rath's immunity this week. The
183-2 vote completely changed the risk profile of serving the
people. What's the benefit of being in Parliament if you can't
even accept a box of wine without going away for a decade?
Immunity just ain't what it used to be! Keeping out of the
spotlight of day-to-day politics is now an attractive alternative.
For those with a bad conscience and weak nerves, resigning from
Parliament would be a quick way out but might be too obvious,
even if a mysterious illness were diagnosed. Some worried MPs
will no doubt try to quietly slip down or off their party's
candidate list when the next elections come around. But what to
do without that cushy seat on the gravy train? Few of the MPs
have lined their pockets enough to consider retiring. They could
become political consultants or lobbyists, but that would keep
them dangerously close to the hot seat. Alas, they might have no
choice but to go out and look for a real job.[Czech Republic member of Parliament winebox]
Glossary of difficult words
bleak - not hopeful or encouraging;
to go away - (in this context) to go to prison;
cushy - undemanding, easy or secure;
gravy train - a situation in which someone can make a lot of money for little effort;
to line one's pockets - to make money, esp. by dishonest means;
hot seat - the position of a person carrying full responsibility for something, including facing criticism or being answerable for decisions or actions; the electric chair.