Government For Sale

Today the existence of the United States is being threatened. The rights and freedoms we have had for over 200 years are in peril. Our existence is not threatened by terrorists. Nor is it the danger from pollution or global warming. Even the nuclear threat of a crazed dictator in North Korea or the potential threat in Iran is small. The only way this country can be destroyed is from within. Only corruption, greed and the desire for power of our elected politicians can bring us down. Corporate america sends giant money to Washington DC with their lobbyists whose sole purpose is to buy favor and favorable legislation from senators and congressman. And it works! Meals, trips, campaign contributions and contributions to the "charitable foundation" that each politician seems to have founded. (I understand that this last one is great as there are no limits on charitable donations and no disclosure is required). Ive also heard of the promise of jobs, board seats etc. for a legislator in the days after political retirement(or even while in office). If a private citizen shows up in Washington at his congressman's office, he or she will most likely be sent away after possibly seeing a minor staff member who tells you that the congressman is too busy to see you, but enjoy your visit to Washington. How is it that these corporate entities can always get a representative in to see the congressman or at least a senior staff member? And why should they be allowed at all? They are not citizens and do not vote. Why should their opinion matter? Their interest is only for their own profits, not the good of the people. If they weren't allowed to bribe. . . excuse me , donate money they wouldn't get the time of day any more than you or I. But it also is a politician problem. They want money to get reelected so they can retain their power and their money machine and this is the easy way to do it. And it works. Incumbents get reelected almost every single time. And they all leave office far wealthier than when they arrived. How do they do that on their salary? In the meantime the middle class is getting sold down the river as the rich get richer from ever more favorable tax laws. What can be done about this? Lobby groups must be barred from giving even a single cent in any way, shape or form to a politician or to any member of his or her staff. There needs to be severe penalties for giving (or receiving) this money. Campaign spending should be limited to one's personal money, the money that is donated by citizens and a certain amount of money provided by the government for qualified candidates. A set amount of signatures of binding support may be the way to determine what makes a candidate qualified. Also a strict accounting of government funds must be kept with unspent money being returned. I would also give huge raises to our senate and house of representatives. These are jobs with huge responsibility and the pay should match. It also will help stifle the need to become rich by way of illicit contributions and bad legislation. I would say at least a $1,000,000 per year salary would be fitting, probably considerably more. Term limits should be considered as well. If not term limits at least limits on how long one can chair important committees. This can limit long term office holders from wielding too much power over junior members of the senate and house. In short, corporate involvement in politics and government needs to be stopped. decisions about the welfare of our country need to stay in the hands of the citizens.