The word "prostitution" need not always pertain to sexual favors bestowed for payment.Another definition is : "Any unworthy service done or proposed for hire." Therefore, any unworthy practice which resorts to unseemly trades fits into this category. In the political world,former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer fell from grace after being caught with a high-dollar call-girl.His trading of money for sexual intercourse cost him his office.

Former Texas Governor Jim "Pa" Ferguson was found guiltyin 1917 of trading formal "pardons" for political contributions.He was indicted for misusing public funds, and removedfrom office for those misdeeds and his attempt to bully the president and professors at the University of Texas.Now, more than 90 years later, it seems the inner-circle of current politicians still have not learned any lessons.They repeat mistakes with new variants of the same old trick.A few weeks ago, I phoned the office of Gov. Rick Perry inquiring when the governor would next have any public events in North or East Texas.I was told by his staff that "for security concerns,we never release his public schedule aheadoftime." I accepted that at first blush and was ready to hang-up politely — until the staffer softly whisperedan after-thought comment: "But you can call the campaign office. They might be able to tell you his political schedule." I agreed and did so.I called the campaignand was told that Perry would make an appearance in Carthage on Sept. 3.Contributions would "start at $50 and go on up above $1,000 depending on your access."

As an independent voter, I thought to myself....hmmm.Let's see:a regular citizenwho is just a common voter and rightly concerned about the issues isn't allowed to know the governor's schedule in advance even just to say "hello" to the governor. But anyone waving a $50 bill or $100 bill is provided his advance schedule, including particulars?Whatever happened to the lame excuse: advance information is not given out due to"security concerns?"

I agreewe need to protect our elected leaders with reasonable means.However, the governor has adequate protection.We need not wrap our leaders in so many layers of ermine-lined armorplatingthat we cannot see them through thecocoon. If they get so out-of-touch with real citizens, they will only get an inflated and armor-plated ego.

Initially, I wrote-out a personal check for the $50 as instructed to "Texans for Rick Perry." But after I wrote it, I got an unsettling feeling in my gut.I never voted for this man before and don't plan to in the future.I merely wanted to ask him a question pertaining to governmental issues that might take less than a minute to answer.He is supposed to be governor of all Texans.I thought to myself:If I forkedover the $50, I am still not assured of being able to ask him the question directly. It was possible (and even probable) that I'd only receive the glad hand of insincere flattery, the cunning seductive smile of the recipient "eyeing my money", maybe a pat on the back — and then I'd be $50 lighter — and even more likely to be full of regrets afterward.I decided to tearup my check and not attend.I felt I should not risk my money, nor abet such an unworthy practice or scheme.Many politicians tout "freedom of speech," but maybe office-holders should openly proclaim: "Free answers to valid questions with no-strings-attached." I want them to listen to my concerns...not just listen intently for the jingle of coins in my billfold.I want them to look constituents in the face rather than look at them as a "potential campaign donor" to tap into.

Perry seems like a fairly cordial man (as a private individual), and I am careful not to accuse him of breaking any law.However, I am disappointed he lets his handlers bring reproach to the office with their lust for money.Perry himself is not guilty of impropiety, but his aides have allowed him to be swept inside a net ofgross ethical impropriety by making access to the governor a "racket."

I realize political fundraisers go on, but our founding fathers wanted elected leaders to have an "open-door policy" toward constituentsfor the majority of theirtime in public service.Fundraisers are fit and proper in a secondary capacity in an appropriate context.

This is different.Normally, citizens in a free society get at least a chance to meet and greet elected leaders on someoccasions at no charge; free; gratis as part of ordinary mingling in the real world.America and Texas fought against uppity kingships and regal monarchs who cloaked themselves in the robes of privilege.Sadly, Texas is again faced with political creatures who are creating an unworthy trade-for-hire due to the near exclusivity of this "Money for Access" game.That amounts to political prostitution, and it should come to an end.

James A. Marples is a Longview resident