Corrupt Government?
 

Well, Frankly its nearing November 2nd so I want to do my civic duty..lol and let you guys look at a very interesting site. Lots of congressmen and women are up for reelection soon and this could change your minds.
Everyone always says, "The Bush administration spends to much,." or "The Clinton Administration spent too much." Just to bridge the gap, the president doesnt have the power to spend, all spending is done by congress. Congress says what and when. Bush has pretty much now power next to congress. This site will really show you just how corrupt the government is.

Example: Some states get funding from the government for shrimping. Those states include Georgia, South and North Carolina, California and Arizona...

Now ask yourself which one doesnt belong. I know im not the smartest person in the world... but last time I checked Arizona was landlocked...lol

How the H*ll did that happen?

Nevertheless, Give this cite a looksy and see what you think

www.cagw.org

lol, our government has been crap since the 1800's, hell the i.r.s is illeagal, it was a temporary fix, to fund the yankee invasion of the south, but it's still there, dont get me wrong, i am an american, served my military for 12 years , am 30% disabled because of it, but i signed the paper's, no regret's, but these day's i feel less a part of the u.s. jmo, dont mean nothing, everyone in d.c. is a crook, me, my 5 little acre's in tn are the c.s.a, yes i am a rebel, i succeded from the union, marty raises star's & bar's. lol. :D :D :D :D, dont get me wrong i dont hate ANYONE.

Yeah everyone in congress is a crook. I just wish there were some way to wipe it out and start over. Most people look at congress and are dissapointed, however they never jump on their representatives a$$. Like did you guys know that Nasa gets more funding than education in this country. So much for Leave no child behind. And Millions of americans have no health insurance... but if you are elected to congress, you only have to serve one term and your health care is guarenteed for life. Washington just is full of scam artists. They have this country so screwed up I dont think it will ever be fixed.

Governement gets more and more like a reality show everyday.

The corrupt congress
 

It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly American criminal class except Congress. - Mark Twain 1897

The United States congress has been called 'corrupt' for well over 100 years but yet America remains the envy of the world in it's freedoms and economic strength built on those very freedoms. In short: America is the envy of the world....even with a 'corrupt' congress.

While no one will deny that there is gigantic waste and some fraud in government expendures, often manipulated by members of congress, there is also some hypocrisy in the charge. Citizens of every state at least partially judge congressmen and senators effectiveness by how much they can take out of the federal budget for their state. From highway funds to school funds to welfare programs and on and on, there is a lot of demand around the country for 'our share' (of the federal budget 'pie') followed by the reminder that: 'we pay taxes, too'. Unfortunately, many states rely on that same 'federal funding' to keep programs afloat every year. Some of them are even worthy.

While I totally concur that there is disgusting amounts of 'pork' in every federal budget (read: taxpayers money spent on crap) I also know that most states want and look forward to their share of the federal budget money for various state 'needs' (and just as many 'wants'). So, before we point fingers at the waste in government and talk about a 'corrupt' congress - which is a legitimate complaint - we should also stop to check and see how much of the wasted money ends up in our own states...and find out why. It might prove interesting.

While we're at it, let's ask the elderly to stop moaning about their Medicare benefits and college kids to stop complaining about the size of the Pell grants and the drudgery of filling out the FASFA forms. The state school systems that depend on federal money to fill out their budgets and those folks who choose to live in Florida should never complain again about a 'corrupt' congress that gives their state tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to help repair and rebuild homes and businesses destroyed by hurricanes. After all, if you live in 'Hurricane Alley' why should taxpayers in Arizona or New Hampshire have to pay for your looses? Same with those 'subsidized' farmers who get paid NOT to grow crops or who get federal money to make up for what they lose when their crops fail. Is there some federal building in your town with a congressman or senators name on it? Guess who paid for it? Right: you did. On and on it goes.

A 'corrupt' U.S. congress? You bet. Just as in 1897 when author and humorist Mark Twain (Sam Clemens) wrote his comment (above) about the U.S. congress. It was funny then because it had the ring of truth, just as it does today. However, U.S. taxpayers have done at least part of the corrupting and we need to remember that when we point fingers and whine about 'government waste'.

I don't know, but I usually have upmost respect for most blue collar workers. Congress has baby soft hands if you know what I mean. :D
Our government is too damn corrupt. Who envy's us besides third world countries? Personally I think our counrty is going to shit. Greedy insurance companies, politicians and lawyers are never out of a job. When was the last time you seen one of these people stand in the unemployment line? I truly believe that it is only going to get worse in this country no matter which aszhole is president, Bush or Kerry. The Patriot Act is a great example.

James:cool:

Cynicism without contemplation
 

Originally posted by srv1

Quote:

I don't know, but I usually have upmost respect for most blue collar workers. Congress has baby soft hands if you know what I mean. :D

"Blue collar workers" are the backbone of the nation and I've been one (construction and auto shop worker as well as a stockboy and factory worker among other jobs) but executives are as necessary as manual workers and the congress is no execption. The blue collar worker often thinks the executives do nothing - and some don't - but there are also some lazy and unproductive blue-collar workers in every industry. The executives and managers in most business are as necessary as the guy who unloads the truck or runs the drill press.

Quote:

Our government is too damn corrupt. Who envy's us besides third world countries?

The rest of the world.

From our wildly successful computer industry (as just one example of American superiority) to our capitalist, democratic form of government the United States exceeds most of the world in per capita income and productivity. Our standard of living is far beyond that of europe and our freedom is unknown is most other nations, including the socialist nations of europe.

Quote:

Personally I think our counrty is going to shit. Greedy insurance companies, politicians and lawyers are never out of a job. When was the last time you seen one of these people stand in the unemployment line? I truly believe that it is only going to get worse in this country no matter which aszhole is president, Bush or Kerry. The Patriot Act is a great example.

I disagree with this kind of mindless cynicism that proclaims the greatest nation on earth is 'going to shit'. Far from it. As for the Patriot Act: please explain how and why, in detail, citing at least two concrete examples, the Patriot Act is a 'great example' of how my county is 'going to shit'.

As for the presidential candidates: Bush is far superior and has proven himself a leader we need in the next four years. John Kerry is simply a political opportunist who can't take a stand on anything without changing his mind five minutes later. His senate voting record is totally anti-military and his liberal views on most issues are incompatible with the kind of leader America nees, now, in an age of terrorism.

well, Taxpayers dont help to rebuilt houses destoyed by hurricanes... your insurance does that, I know that for a fact because I live in GA. all insurance around in this area carries it. All "Relief Aid" does is helps keep shelters open, get bussinesses up and running again and so on. You want to talk about government waist lets talk about people in the north who just decide to take unemployment each winter because its "to Cold" to work. I know some guys on this site may even do it. There may be nothing wrong with it to them, but all those ppl really add up. you dont see people in the south laying out just because it gets hot in the summer... thats just stupid. Anyway, I dont want to start a fight. The fact is, is most people waste government money every day and they dont know it. Like when you throw that trash out the window on your way to work. Nevertheless, as far as government wastes goes, Alaska ranked number one in the most "porky" state. I am a college student and I dont whine about having to fill out a fafsa. But I also dont get a pell grant. you only recieve than when your parents make under 23,000 a year. Most of us arent lucky enough to get federal assistance. And as far as our computer "Sucess" i guess it would be nice if everything wasnt OUTSOURCED! lets face it ... the computer you are on now fed chinese and indian familes well tonight. And ppl want to complain their are no jobs... STOP OUTSOURCING and you'll get your dam* job. But no, everyone is soooo worried about saving a dollar. *An Interesting fact*: John Kerry says, If he is elected, he will stop all outsourcing, and for those companies who already have, would pay a higher tax. Well isnt it interesting that his own wife, has recently packed up Heinz and moved it to mexico and other second world countries.
Something to think about!

Personally, I don't think very many people have a real idea of what corruption really exists in the world. This place (USA) is one of the lesser, IMO. We are truly blessed to live here, and God, damn the liberals for thinking....no wait, they can't do that....believing... that the French should be making military decisions for us, amongst all their other crazed ideologies. Amen.

America is not the envy of the world. Im tired of all the propaganda that makes people believe this.

This country has a very wasteful and corrupt govt, along with many other problems. I wish there was an easy answer to every problem, but theres not.

Its obvious the anti-american feelings around the world are growing and I dont see an end.

I have visited many countries and have talked to many people and didnt find any of them to envy america. In fact a lot of canadiens were turned off by the fact I was american and wouldnt even talk to me. I have been all over europe and parts of the middle east and didnt notice any american envy, not from the common people anyway.

I see govt. assisted healthcare and free education in many european countries, why not here? They have a good standard of living. More people in apartments, but they are nice places. The construction quality of the new houses in this country is a freaking joke. They slap em together in 2 weeks with no pride.

Bottom line, america has a lot of resources in the tax money that could be put to better use. How can we make that happen when the govt. is corrupt, and even if someone goes into politics with good intentions, they will turn corrupt. Its a hard temtation to resist when its in front of you and easy to get away with. You cant change the system, so you fall into place , just like the rest who got theirs...

Why cant we cut back on the congressmans insane healthcare and retirement plans? How can we get the power to stop them? You cant expect any congressman to cut his own perks, right?

Lifes not fair, not here and probably not anywhere.

On highway 85, at Gila Bend Arizona is one of the largest shrimp farms in the country.
Go figure

Howdy :)

I feel prompted to say that every government in every country suffers some degree of either corruption or stupidity. It is inevitable. No group of people can be expected to be perfect 100% of the time.

Mach 1, you may be correct in your view that the rest of the world does not 'envy' America, but there is still alot of admiration for certain aspects of it. ;)

America: home of the free, land of the brave
 

Originally posted by Mach 1

Quote:

America is not the envy of the world. Im tired of all the propaganda that makes people believe this.

I disagree. I'm tired of Americans who have the benefit of being born in the freest nation on earth with the greatest opportunities available go around whining and complaining about that nation. Yes, it's their constitutional right to do so but it simply shows how ungrateful and self-ceneterd some Amnericans are. I find it ironic that so many immigrants truly appreciate our country and it's benefits while native-born Americans can't stop finding faults to whine about and then compare America to socialist hellholes and dictatorships as if they were an improvement. The disconnect from reality is staggering.

Quote:

This country has a very wasteful and corrupt govt, along with many other problems. I wish there was an easy answer to every problem, but theres not. Its obvious the anti-american feelings around the world are growing and I dont see an end.

The U.S. government (congress) may be corrupt and wasteful but not to the extent that the United States citizens are deprived or oppressed. The U.S. has the highest standard of living in the world, bar none. That is no small accomplishment and is clearly a part of the 'resentment' you assume the U.S. generates from other nations - most of them either mired in ruineous socialist economies or ruled by dictators who live in splendor while their people eat dirt...then the dictators blame America for their people's poverty.

Quote:

I have visited many countries and have talked to many people and didnt find any of them to envy america. In fact a lot of canadiens were turned off by the fact I was american and wouldnt even talk to me. I have been all over europe and parts of the middle east and didnt notice any american envy, not from the common people anyway.

You can find America-haters and America-lovers anywhere. Europe, especially, has both and many of the 'America-haters' have never set foot on American soil and depend on a anti-American media for their views of our nation. Their anti-Americanism is to be expected. Canada has also become mired in socialist politics and has a large hate-American contingent that control a good portion of the CBC and the print media. Hating America has become a political sport that will fade as terrorism overtakes even the socialist countries that now assume they are exempt from trouble from the Islamofascists. See: France and Russia.

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I see govt. assisted healthcare and free education in many european countries, why not here? They have a good standard of living. More people in apartments, but they are nice places. The construction quality of the new houses in this country is a freaking joke. They slap em together in 2 weeks with no pride.

You also see people who pay obscene taxes and many don't bother to work at all because it's easier to be on 'the dole' and live a bit cheaper but not have to work. Socialist economies permit this but the unemployment rate is 2 and 3 times ours and the standard of living is below ours...far below in most cases. In America, 70% of the adults own their own homes. Probably twice the rate as in europe, at least.

U.S. Construction quality may sometimes be spotty and depends on many factors, including the contractor and the diligence of the person paying for the job. Still, modern methods of construction, including some pre-fabrication, has made putting up a house much easier and faster, especially in a 'development' where the building plans don't vary much. Your complaints are somewhat invalid on this point.

Quote:

Bottom line, america has a lot of resources in the tax money that could be put to better use. How can we make that happen when the govt. is corrupt, and even if someone goes into politics with good intentions, they will turn corrupt. Its a hard temtation to resist when its in front of you and easy to get away with. You cant change the system, so you fall into place , just like the rest who got theirs... Why cant we cut back on the congressmans insane healthcare and retirement plans? How can we get the power to stop them? You cant expect any congressman to cut his own perks, right?

It's very difficult to rein in a corrupt congress, as I stipulated in an earlier post. Stop voting for the same person every two or six years and not allow some politicians a lifetime job in congress because they happen to be a memeber of the party that supposedly dominates your town or state. We still have a democracy where we can all vote. Sadly, only about 50% of the eligible voters do so in any given election, allowing politicians to stay in office forever by counting on your apathy. So far, it's worked for them, hasn't it? Vote for a politician who runs against the long-term incumbent (he or she has had their chance) and swears to only serve three terms (two, if a senator). Hold them to it when the alloted time is up and stop voting for the politician who promises the most out of the federal budget 'pie'. We have serious issues to deal with today and 'bringing home the bacon' for a specific congressional district shouldn't be the foremost qualification for a politician but, unfortunately, too many citizens have made it just that.

Quote:

Lifes not fair, not here and probably not anywhere.

Perhaps, but it's a lot freer and more comfortable in the U.S.A. than anywhere else on earth. I'll take it, any day.

Originally posted by Stang_Girl617:

Quote:

well, Taxpayers dont help to rebuilt houses destoyed by hurricanes... your insurance does that, I know that for a fact because I live in GA. all insurance around in this area carries it. All "Relief Aid" does is helps keep shelters open, get bussinesses up and running again and so on.

Private homeowners insurance does pay for hurricane damage most of the time (if you have it) but the premiums are then later raised on all policyholders to help make up for the huge losses the insurance companies incur. Unlike the government, they have to make a profit to stay in business. Government agencies (FEMA) does a lot to help hurricane damage victims, as you stated, but in some cases, they also pay for reconstruction when you have no insurance or cannot obtain it because of recurring losses from hurricanes or in many cases, floods. They will continue to pay for future damage and reconstruction even if you live in a hurricane-prone area. That can get ridiculous and it isn't a problem that is isolated to the south or the north.

Quote:

You want to talk about government waist lets talk about people in the north who just decide to take unemployment each winter because its "to Cold" to work. I know some guys on this site may even do it. There may be nothing wrong with it to them, but all those ppl really add up. you dont see people in the south laying out just because it gets hot in the summer... thats just stupid.

Unemployment insurance is paid for by employers and the state goverment - with some federal help. Requirements vary from state to state but generally one has to have worked steadily for at least 6 months to qualify for benefits and you only get about 50%, at best, of your former earnings. That usually won't support an independent adult (one not living with their parents). Most unemployment benefits run out after six months. You could live this way but it would be difficult to pull off every year (they keep careful records) and you'll never get ahead financially or in any kind of career. It would be a losers game that would eventually dry up and I doubt many 'northerners' actually do this on a regular basis. Don't believe everything you hear.

Quote:

Anyway, I dont want to start a fight. The fact is, is most people waste government money every day and they dont know it. Like when you throw that trash out the window on your way to work. Nevertheless, as far as government wastes goes, Alaska ranked number one in the most "porky" state. I am a college student and I dont whine about having to fill out a fafsa. But I also dont get a pell grant. you only recieve than when your parents make under 23,000 a year.

Is any of your college tuition underwritten by any student loans? Unless you come from a very wealthy family, most are, in part. If so, that's a government 'benefit' as taxpayer money is used to subsidize that loan. I have no problem with that as I think it benefits the nation to have educated citizens that can be more productive but as you say: we all benefit from some kind of 'government' program of some kind, some time in our lives. We want it that way, and I don't object to that concept except that too many people then sneer and moan about the 'waste' in government - while taking government money or some form of government aid. That's simply hypocritical.

Quote:

Most of us arent lucky enough to get federal assistance. And as far as our computer "Sucess" i guess it would be nice if everything wasnt OUTSOURCED! lets face it ... the computer you are on now fed chinese and indian familes well tonight. And ppl want to complain their are no jobs... STOP OUTSOURCING and you'll get your dam* job. But no, everyone is soooo worried about saving a dollar.

While we're facing things, let's face this: Who invented Windows? An American, Bill Gates (and his partners). Microsoft is one of the first and foremost software companies in the world, bar none. Silicon valley in California, while shrinking in some aspects, is still a vital part of the computer industry. The outsourcing is for robotic manufacturing jobs and customer service jobs that most people don't even want. Still, America insources many more jobs than it outsources and the outsourcing 'drain' is mostly a media and politican-generated myth.

By the way, when was the last time you (or anyone) purposely paid a lot more for a product simply because it was 'Made in the USA'? That's rare. Everybody wants a bargain and that's why companies outsource where they can. To make the product cheaper and more competative in the marketplace. Computers are far superior and dirt cheap, today, compared to just ten years ago. The competative edge keeps sales up and investors happy, which in turn , feeds the U.S. economy and helps everyone, in the long run.

Quote:

*An Interesting fact*: John Kerry says, If he is elected, he will stop all outsourcing, and for those companies who already have, would pay a higher tax. Well isnt it interesting that his own wife, has recently packed up Heinz and moved it to mexico and other second world countries. Something to think about!

Indeed. Kerry is a fraud.

Re: America: home of the free, land of the brave
 

This can be a good place to live, but I dont think the rest of the world is as bad as you think. And in some cases there is more oppurtunity

I apologize for my terrible editing above.

Before I start another flame war here, let me say this;

I am lucky to have been born here. This is the best place on Earth for me. I have been around the world and have seen many places that had very beautiful aspects, but none as heart warmingly beautiful.

I would fight and die for this country without hesitation. Not for the people that govern it. If called to fight, I fight for you. The people of this great country that have been dupped by our government.

We are but a heartbeat away from being a dictatorship. Say the wrong thing or see the wrong thing, and the FBI will wisk you away to some hole and "debrief" you. Or whatever happens when they come get you. (this is all speculation, of course) Make a negative comment about our government and even Mr. 50 will come after you. (couldn't resist mate. no harm intended) This country has forgotten why it was founded. Slave owners that wanted freedom....... Oh wait, that's not right.......

Do you know why cocaine was made illegal? Any guesses at all? I know this is off subject, but it kinda goes along with what I'm saying. It wasn't because it was bad for you, it wasn't because cocaine was that addictive. Cocaine used to be as readily accessable as asprin. It was a Main ingrediant in Coca-Cola. Hence the name, Coca(as in COCAine)-Cola.

No it was more devious than that. Cocaine was made illegal simply because white men were afraid black men would use it in the south, and one of two things would happen. 1. Black men would make a profit off of it; and 2. Black men that use it might get all hyped up on it, and let's face it you do get pretty hyped, and have sex with white women.

Now personally, I have never, and will never use Cocaine. But for all the reasons to place a ban on something, this one is really f'n stupid.

Look into it, watch the History Channel, whatever. I am not making this up. This is OUR government at work. Just one example.

What is wrong with our Government? It's a very simple answer, too simple actually. Greed. Greed for power, money, respect, you name it. "Beware the green eyed monster, for he shall devour you all." I don't know what that's from, but it fits in really well doesn't it?

Anyway, the fix for our problem is even easier than answering the question above. The fix is to fire them all, and start over. Or as some would say, a COUP. But then another asshole would come into power and we'd still be screwed. So what to do? I leave that to you. Later.

Hardly. You've watched one too many episodes of the x-files man. How do you figure we're so close to being a dictatorship? As for Mr. 5 0 he's a true american that see's thru all the bullshit that people post and counters it with FACT .
-Ryan

Keep an open mind my freind, the x-files arent far off in some cases, and whitecobra makes some valid points.

Re: Re: America: home of the free, land of the brave
 

Originally posted by Mach 1 :

Quote:

This can be a good place to live, but I dont think the rest of the world is as bad as you think. And in some cases there is more oppurtunity

The political freedoms we enjoy here in America are generally not equaled in other countries and in many cases, don't even come close. As for 'opportunity': no other nation has the kind of manifold possibilities for making a good living that America offers on a daily basis. Our college graduate rates, our per capita income levels and our yearly GNP (11 trillion dollars last year) all testify to the strength of the United State's economic power, acheived through our capitalist economic system that encourages innovation and offers opportunities for anyone with the ability, ambition and willingness to work to achieve their untimate potential.

Does America have 'faults'? Of course. Does America still present the best hope for those seeking personal and economic freedom? You bet - and the millions of immigrants that go to great lengths to get here every year attest to that ongoing reality.