I read and re-read the diaries in here, and On other liberal and conservative sites.
I am really amazed that there are still so many who attribute the actions of our government officials and lobbyist to any number of motives. Evil, Good, Collusion, Friendship, Privateering, it goes on and on ad infinitum.
It is now, and has always been about Greed.
Greed for Money and Greed for Power. That is the total lump sum of what happens in Washington and most of corporate America.
We continue to worship the Kennedy's and put them back into power, without thinking about HOW they came to be.
Just the way we compared the Clinton's to Jackie and JFK, was enough to let the American Public know that Spin is more important than truth. The Bush Family history, The Kennedy Family, the history of most of our Illustrious leaders are tainted. The way every news station broadcasts Paris Hilton's antics, but not the true daily cost of the Wars we are fighting. All demonstrates that this is all about the Greed, greed for money and power. Otherwise why would anyone care about a spoiled brat like Paris? she represents the money!
The underbelly of American Politics is covered with greed, thick slimy and dirty. From the presidential Campaigns to the local Alderman, Greed and Power rule the day.
After all who in their right mind would take on a Job like President of the US for the pay offered? No one, but those who lust for power.
The corporate structure of America, seeds, feeds and nurtures this lust. Just look at who sponsors whom, and you will see the base of all politics in America is corporate.
Let me break down local the local political machine for you all:
In the 2006 democratic run for Governor in MD:
Democratic candidate committees 1,753 $6,269,913 80.09%
Running Mate is Biggest Contributor?
Why would most of the Money for a Gubernatorial race come from his running mate? Because the Fair haired Boy of Maryland is an up and coming democrat, could be slated for the National Arena... And needs separation form any thing even remotely shady.
Republican Money for 2002
Let's compare to the 2002 Election for the Republican in this state
EHRLICH FOR MARYLAND CMTE, BOB $515,000 5.14% Candidate Contributions
51% from his own camp? Of course. Each election the dollars are just inflated, a jump from 51% to 80% funding.
Same Source literally, too, energy funds. These are just examples and are not meant to mean that ALL political money is from oil, or energy. search your own state, see who funds who, you will find the same basic lists of companies funding the Dems and Rep alike.
However a study done by National Institute on Money in State Politics found:
An Institute analysis of contributions from energy companies, pro-environmental policy groups and alternative energy interests found:
Top recipients of energy-interest contributions tended to be state party
committees and gubernatorial candidates while environmental groups
contributed large sums to state legislative candidates.
Now to the point of this Diary, how can you or I expect our politicians to act differently? How can we expect a Democrat to Impeach a Republican when they are both equally and fairly funded by the same sources?
How did you think they would get 10M to run for office? Or 100M to run for Presidential office? did you really think you and I funded the Dems, with our 10 dollar contributions? While Corporate America sat back and only gave money to the Reps? No corporate America is allot of things, but they are not dumb. Always hedge your bets.
Now I will be attacked and trolled, for talking about Dems as Well as Reps. And lately I suspect these attackers are actually hired guns, to keep the dissenters quiet. (this should create a volley of not me's!)
I for one, am very sure that our government is corrupt at heart, and we need not sweep with one party or the other, but sweep as a whole. Put up candidates who do NOT take money from companies, and get them elected. Sweep the Senate and Congress with honesty, and hard workers, rid ourselves of "Insider Family" Political machines. (even the Fair haired ones)
Substituting instead the guy who only uses the funds available through public means. Election money should no longer be allowed to be PAC driven for anyone.
If you can't do it on the allocated funds that everyone can receive,
DON"T DO IT!
If a Swift Boater has to fund your campaign, we should NOT elect you.
If you need 100M to run, we should not elect you.
If you need to have a shadow organization at all, we should not elect you.
too Idealistic? Happens this way in other countries, why not ours?
I know this rambles a bit, but the point is:
WE the People in order to form a more perfect union, need to revolutionize our political machine.