Cunningham sentenced to 8 years

Maybe I'm a hardass, but this ain't enough.

Former Rep. Randy "Duke" Cunningham began his first day in prison after being sentenced to eight years and four months for taking $2.4 million in homes, yachts and other bribes in a corruption scheme unmatched in the annals of Congress.

To be honest, I'd be saying his sentence wasn't long enough even if twice as long. When our country was founded public service was a privilege - an opportunity to ensure the countries limited government was well managed. It was never intended to be a career and definitely not intended to be used as a vehicle to extort money from individuals wishing to do business with the government.

I wonder if his sentence was reduced because a convicted pedophile (since pardoned by Carter) testified on his behalf.

As a former Navy guy, I'm even more appalled by Cunningham's crimes. He is a retired Navy captain and was a heroic pilot during the Vietnam war. He brings shame on our branch of service.