At first glance, these two logical fallacies don't seem to have much to do with each other.

When you beg the question, you assume something has been established or proved, according to my trusty dictionary. The way a logician would define the begging the question fallacy is that the premises include the claim or assumption that the conclusion is true, without providing any evidence or actual argument. The result is a circular argument, taking for granted what it's supposed to prove. In other words, it's no argument at all.

One great advantage of handling local government ethics matters at the state level is that decisions and advisory opinions can be easily and widely disseminated to all local governments in the state.

<a href="http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-gilesmoving0617.artjun18,0,3279… Hartford <i>Courant</i></a> gives us an excellent picture of a very creative way of making the municipal government work for you, conflicts of interest be damned.

What happened recently in Colorado makes it clear that a state constitution is not the right place for ethics laws.

Last November, an amendment to the state constitution was approved by voters, prohibiting state and local officials from accepting any gift of over $50 from any 'person.' The state Attorney General ruled that this amendment would prevent the child of a government official from a receiving a scholarship, or a state university professor from accepting a Nobel Prize.

A Test of the Picasa EMBED option for a series of photos...

So What do you think ?

We can talk all we want about conflicts of interest problems in municipal government, but it really comes down to what Tom Brokaw, the former NBC anchor, said in his Skidmore College commencement address:

<p>We welcome your contributions to our cause. We are a small dedicated group and any help we receive allows us to get on with the job at hand, rather than worrying about funding our activities.
<br />
We thank you for your contribution.
<br />

<p>Your contribution is much appreciated, and will be used to forward our goals of a more Ethical world in which to live.</p>

<h2>How can I donate?</h2>
<p>Currently, we accept donations in U.S. dollars. You can donate using <a href="http://paypal.com/&quot; target="_blank">Paypal</a> or using direct deposit. Please see our <a href="/donate">donation form</a>.</p>
Some key facts for the record:
<ul><li>Donations done with the PAYPAL funding source being your confirmed PAYPAL ACCOUNT, rather than via a credit card will incur NO PAYPAL Charges.</li>

<ul>
<li>What safeguards can be put in place to protect the innocent ??</li>
<li>Disgruntled employees making false ethical allegations as retaliation to employer...</li>
</ul>
<p>---</p>
<ul>
<li>How do you build trust in order to institute ethical culture in our organization ?</li>
<li>What do you do when an arbitrator decides that ethical testing is not worthy to be a part of promotional training ?</li>
</ul>
<p>---</p>