Another day, another GOP scandal

[Redleg]

I don't think you're giving the Republicans enough credit. They've worked really hard to achieve their current level of corruption. I don't think it's fair to the Republicans to just assume, without evidence, that the Democratic party could even begin to display anything near the level of corruption that the Republicans have perfected.

Most politians - if not all - have thier hands in the cookie jar in some way. All one has to do is look at the amount of pork that is installed into many bills as a way to get them to pass.

Some are just more corrupt then others. I remember back in the 1980's and early 1990's reading about the corruption and payouts concerning many democrates that were in the different offices - be it Federal or State governments, and about the same number of republicans were making the papers to.

Its the shame of both parties, and when found the individual and individuals involved need to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. If they are found guilty, send them to real prison, not the country club minimum security lock-ups.

[Strike For The South]

Im going to have to agree with Bill Hicks on American polotics.

I think the puppet on the right is more to my liking

I think the puppet on they left suits me more

Hey wait a second there on the same strings

[KafirChobee]

It is a matter of how the "game" is played. One must first remember that the vast majority of these people are millionaires (most before they entered office, nearly all after). One doesnot give up a multi-million dollar job for what seems a lower paying one unless their is something in it for them (aside from serving the people, blah...blah...blah).

Many moons ago an instructor I had (Dr. Cambell, Urban developement advisor to L.A. City Council and Cal. legislators) said, "Good men that go to congress are either corrupted ... or they leave, there is no island of safety for them to practice politics of integrity when the playing field is pot-holed with money pockets of the special interests." [roughly] He meant simply that it is difficult for anyone to stay above the greed level that permiates our legislative process.

One of my favorite politicians of all time, a Republican Senator from Illinois (long ago and far away, may never be another like him), accomplished more than most presidents for his nation and his state. But, after his death they opened a closet and found shoe boxes full of cash. My reasoning (who knows really) is that, not to accept would mean one thing, while accepting the 'gifts' allowed him to continue to do some good for his nation. The classic thing was how all the boxes were taped shut and labeled "do not open" (maybe a reminder to himself that were he to actually use any of the moneys, there would be just one side for him to vote on - he crossed party lines all the time and would be considered a liberal today. Of course that was during the times we had a true political process of discussion and debate, evaluation of the common good, etc. Versus, what's good for big oil and our other corporate contributors is good enuffs for me.).

The point is, until we exclude corporate contributions to candidates or treat them like individuals - and limit individual contributions to $1,000 per party (period - no this candidate and that, just $1,000 total contributions - adds and all) we will have to accept that a majority of our representatives are taking favors on the sly. After all, why else would a millionaire want to reduce his salary? Take former and future CEO Dick Chenney, we all know he .... oh wait, he's still getting a salary from HalliFUall - bad example. OK, take Condelleza...... oh, wait ... same thing. OK, OK take ...... well I'm sure some GOP'er out there can come up with a good response. 'Cause try as I might, I can't come up with an example of one person in the administration that isn't doing favors for their former company.

Still, point is, with the way that our present system of contributions and lobbying is conducted and allowed - it all but begs for abuse. Good men do not survive in D.C. - men like DeLay do. Thats a fact. It is that simple, good men die, evil men thrive.