Do we have any honest Politicians in the United States serving today?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:05:55 -0400

RP Members do we truly have anyone that is serving as a Politician today that has been honest with the American Public, above reproach, that hasn't lied, or that hasn't done something illegal - those that we know about anyway?

When you read everyday in the news about this congressman or that politician being investigated and the lies that they are caught in! Are there no values in today's politicians and those who serve at the pleasure of the people?

Unbelievable! YOUR THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS! How can we fix this problem or will we ever be able to fix it?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 2:09 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:09:23 -0400

LOL They even lie about lying.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 24 at 2016 2:09 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:09:49 -0400

I suspect that the vast majority of politicians start out honest. They may often make promises they are incapable of keeping inasmuch as they don't fully understand the powers of the offices they seek, but breaking a promise is not always a dishonest act, is it? Circumstances may then tempt them to dishonesty and We the People don't hold them accountable when they succumb to that temptation. Once they get away with a lie, it's easier to voice the second. (Yes, there really are slippery slopes regardless of the fact that intellectuals laugh at the concept)

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made May 24 at 2016 2:09 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:09:49 -0400

We will need Digones (sp) with a laser light to discover a honest politician!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 2:11 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:11:26 -0400

Until we (voters,Americans) start holding these politicians feet or the fire they will continue to lie, make promises they can't keep, and steal from us.
They need term limits on congress people.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 24 at 2016 2:11 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:11:58 -0400

If there is any their not going above the radar.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made May 24 at 2016 2:19 PM

SSG Pete Fleming — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:19:49 -0400

Actually the closest thing might be Bernie Sanders, he has been a Socialist his entire adult life. And he has never hid that fact...

Response by SSgt Terry P. made May 24 at 2016 2:23 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:23:57 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Many may start with good intentions,but usually doesn't take them long to become like all the rest.IMO
And i doubt we can ever completely overcome the problem.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 2:27 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:27:27 -0400

Honest politicians? I don't think that is even possible.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 2:28 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:28:06 -0400

I like to believe that every politician represents their voting constituency and embody their needs and wants. If that is true, the current political climate is a direct reflection of the diverse view points and positions, we as an Amercian population have. I think we tend to see politicians playing within the rules and norms of politics as being dishonest. I don't want to believe all of the are dishonest and self centered. I can be wrong though....

Response by SGT Jeremiah B. made May 24 at 2016 2:31 PM

SGT Jeremiah B. — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:31:57 -0400

They exist. I'd currently put Sanders and Warren in that group. The problem isn't their dishonesty, it's the popularity of their solutions.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 2:34 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:34:35 -0400

It seems to me like politicians are self serving! Very few care about the people. I even hear my comrades rally around politicians that they feel will "raise military pay" versus a person that will do right by the American people! I as a Soldier vow to serve the American people and also means supporting a politician that will serve them as well not take advantage of political power or position. I hate the fact people talk so much crap about our current Commander and Chief. He has done amazing things for the people of America. No leader is perfect, but health care for Americans is a big deal! Military people don't get it because we have our Tricare, but living in Europe made it very clear how better off these countries are health wise because of it. I think people loyal to a party is insane. The problem is people don't vote on principle and no one cares for anyone but themselves. It will lead to our nation's demise!

Response by CPO Joseph Grant made May 24 at 2016 2:48 PM

CPO Joseph Grant — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:48:39 -0400

They're all bought and paid for long before they're in office. The honest answer to your question is a new revolution. I don't know if I hope that happens or not. And NO, I'm not a traitor before anyone gets stupid.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 24 at 2016 2:59 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 24 May 2016 14:59:18 -0400

You're asking the Wrong Dude, I'm a retired Navy Spook, On a very base level I don't trust anybody. Our Motto was "In God We Trust All Others We Monitor" I worked in COMSEC and OPSEC but part of any good OPSEC is OPDEC, Operational Deception, we employed that against our Enemies, Dependents, Fellow Comrades in Arms. Project Classic Wizard Zeto Pt. Adak, AK We went out of our way to convince our Marine Security folks that we were operating an Underground Submarine Maintenance Facility. Fake Missile Runs at the Iraqis for a week to desensitize them before the Actual Launch of Missiles. Encouraging UFO Stories in Southern California in the Late 70's to cover the early testing of the Tomahawk. Huge Orders at the Pizza Hut near the Pentagon so they wouldn't be able to tell when an actual operation was going down. To Quote Churchill "Truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies". Everything I did had a Cover Story that was pure unadulterated BS and the Classified Mission Statement".

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 3:00 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 15:00:11 -0400

Sir, I always thought those two terms (politician & honest) were mutually exclusive. COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SSG Michael Hartsfield made May 24 at 2016 3:09 PM

SSG Michael Hartsfield — Tue, 24 May 2016 15:09:35 -0400

They're are but they are few and far between. Like CPT Jack Durish said, many do start out with the intend of being honest but many, IMHO, get caught up in the "first you go long, then you get along" mentality which will compromise their beliefs, or they get caught up in the power and prestige of their position (going purple, as it's said in DC) that they will do what they must to key that position.
What can done to fix this?
1) Remind our representatives are public servants with an emphasis on "public" and "servant." They aren't beholden to their donors but to the people that elected them to that position.
2) Have all elected officials be ineligible to work for any group that lobbies Congress for a period no less that 4 years. Our government shouldn' be a place where politicians can fluff their resumes for a lobbying job.
3) (And this is on us) STOP ELECTING MORONS!! True leaders don't play to the crowd because they are too busy LEADING!
That's my two cents, for what it's worth

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made May 24 at 2016 3:11 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Tue, 24 May 2016 15:11:27 -0400

All I can say is most likely not!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made May 24 at 2016 3:12 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Tue, 24 May 2016 15:12:57 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, many people don't know that members of Congress take the exact same oath of office as do commissioned officers. Imagine if said officers behaved as do many of these elected officials. The cells of Leavenworth would be filled to overflowing!
I'm sure there are some that are honest, but as CSM Charles Hayden suggested, Diogenes may have difficulty finding them!

Response by Sgt Justin DavisCrowe made May 24 at 2016 3:17 PM

Sgt Justin DavisCrowe — Tue, 24 May 2016 15:17:32 -0400

I think they are all crooks who only care about the highest bidder to buy them off. Maybe there are a few good ones out there but that number would not even be enough to do some good for this nation.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made May 24 at 2016 3:18 PM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Tue, 24 May 2016 15:18:05 -0400

The biggest solution is Term Limits across the board for every electable position. It is my firm belief that politicians come into office with high hopes, big aspirations, and probably a good deal of integrity.

But power is a corrupter and the longer people are in power, the more corrupt they seem. There honestly are probably a handful of honest politicians, but the rest are just trying to stay in the game for another election.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made May 24 at 2016 3:29 PM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Tue, 24 May 2016 15:29:21 -0400

I personally knew two that I trusted -- one Republican (Duncan Hunter) and one Democrat (Charlie Stenholm). Sadly, they no longer serve.

Response by SPC Terry Martin made May 24 at 2016 4:43 PM

SPC Terry Martin — Tue, 24 May 2016 16:43:01 -0400

Let's just say that they say "less than the truth," but don't lie? Promise promises, but don't deliver and thanks for your vote, not that there aren't those who truly do serve us.

I feel that there is a breakdown in the moral fiber from those who who are supposed to be our Mentors down to today's parent and children.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made May 24 at 2016 5:00 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Tue, 24 May 2016 17:00:43 -0400

I believe that there are honest politicians. Sometimes things get spun in the interest of negotiations and makes some politicians look crooked when really that that isn't their intent to be crooked or actually the case at hand. Let me explain...When I was young, a friend of mine went to work as a page. Their eyes were opened. The following happened and they witnessed it. A senator came to their senators office, walked in the door and said that if they didn't vote for the bill they were putting forward they wouldn't get anything through while they were in Washington. They wanted to vote for it because it provided for people in their districts but the reason they didn't want to vote for it was because it contained pork and line items that they were against. However, the Bill itself in title never showed that. They voted for it and when reelection came up it was presented that they voted for the line items when they voted for the greater good for the people in their district. Spin is a tough thing...hard to combat. They also tried to reach across party lines but that didn't work either. They went out for dinner to meet with the other party and when they walked in it was like West Side Story. There are bars and restaurants that Dems don't go to and vice versa.
All of that to say that I believe we have honest men in some positions but a majority of them...once they get a taste of that power it is like a tiger getting their first taste of blood and are a crooked as a snake on the run. The only way to fix it is to vote them out and hold them accountable. Most people feel if it doesn't effect them directly then they must be doing a good job...that couldn't be further from the truth.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 24 at 2016 5:12 PM

Maj John Bell — Tue, 24 May 2016 17:12:52 -0400

It will not change until aspiring politicians see the (figurative, not literal) headless corpses of their lying predecessors on their road to elective office.

The American electorate hates everybody else's elected officials for their pork barrel politics, but love their own politicians when they bring home the bacon.

When representatives are elected, we get the government we deserve. Responsible voting is hard work.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made May 24 at 2016 5:14 PM

SGT Dave Tracy — Tue, 24 May 2016 17:14:06 -0400

It's easier, maybe even more desirable, to believe the idea that they are actively hustling us--and it's election season, so some damn sure are--but I think it's a bit harder to wrap one's head around the more insidious notion that, when we see politicians do what they do and say what they say, that they actually BELIEVE their own BS!

The ultimate politician begins when they lie to themselves.

Response by Capt Michael Greene made May 24 at 2016 5:35 PM

Capt Michael Greene — Tue, 24 May 2016 17:35:04 -0400

Bernie has a good rep for integrity.

And I'm not sure how to classify Trump. He obviously is making up policies at the moment the question is asked, and very many of his statements "I have the greatest advisors advising me" turn out to be total fabrications. However, is it really a lie when he has no concept of right and wrong?

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 24 at 2016 6:20 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:20:11 -0400

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2016/05/23/1530018/-Ohio-businessman-assailing-Ted-Strickland-forgets-how-great-he-said-his-company-did-under-him?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+dailykos%2Findex+%28Daily+Kos%29

Ohio businessman in Koch-backed ad forgets how great his company did under Ted Strickland

Don’t you hate it when you get caught saying something that completely contradicts what you said before?Yeah. That’s basically what happened to an Ohio businessman featured in a new ad targeting Democratic Senate candidate Ted Strickland’s handling of...

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 6:20 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:20:13 -0400

are you freaking kidding me i live in ny, so far 2 have been convited along with a family member on one, and the freakin govenor is still being investigated, how to fix this do your reasherch before you vote, if the sombitch been in more than 10 years ask the questions, start term limits, remember these people no matter how long they serve in govt make out better than any 10 vets combined

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 24 at 2016 6:32 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:32:33 -0400

Yes COL Mikel J. Burroughs my friend and classmate John Shimkus has been a US Congressman representing Illinois's 15th congressional district since 1997.
His character has been above reproach fro as long as I have known him which is since the late 1970s.

Response by PO1 Kerry French made May 24 at 2016 6:43 PM

PO1 Kerry French — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:43:21 -0400

Absolutely. I know several on WA state and very few in DC.

Response by PO1 Kerry French made May 24 at 2016 6:48 PM

PO1 Kerry French — Tue, 24 May 2016 18:48:49 -0400

Absolutely!! I can name several in my state and a couple in DC. Shea, Taylor, McCasslin, Scott (in WA and ID) Overstreet. In TX White and Gohmert, Cruz. In OK Bridenstine

Response by SSG Nicholas Wright made May 24 at 2016 7:02 PM

SSG Nicholas Wright — Tue, 24 May 2016 19:02:41 -0400

The problems with our politicians arise from our voting and districting system. There are a great many incentives to be underhanded and little necessity for being receptive to your constituents when holding politicians accountable is so difficult. CGP Grey has done a great video series on how different voting systems work and their problems. [http://www.cgpgrey.com/politics-in-the-animal-kingdom/]. In short, our system favors a certain kind of politics and a certain kind of politician takes advantage of that.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made May 24 at 2016 7:09 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Tue, 24 May 2016 19:09:14 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, I thought being a lying cheating crook was a prerequisite for the office. With all the corruption and scandals that plague the halls of the Capitol these days, it sure seems that way to me.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made May 24 at 2016 7:45 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Tue, 24 May 2016 19:45:07 -0400

I have looked this up in the biggest dictionary in my house and lo and behold under the heading oxymoron honest politician was listed

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 8:58 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 20:58:52 -0400

Very few

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 9:38 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 21:38:35 -0400

I think that you will find a comparable number of honest politicians as there are honest civilians. These people are not ordained, and yes, they may take the exact same oath that I have as an officer, but I also know quite a few corrupt and dishonest officers. It's sad to say, but it's the truth. It would be ideal for politicians, and military members, and businessmen to be honest, but until honesty can get you everything you need 100% of the time, that is not going to happen.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2016 10:36 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 May 2016 22:36:02 -0400

I think the few we have are pretty much brushed off or paid off in order to keep the corruptness going

Response by SSG Thomas Gallegos made May 24 at 2016 11:28 PM

SSG Thomas Gallegos — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:28:12 -0400

I think they're honest to the point that money and/or leverage on a certain bill or vote comes into play. Their is not one politician that can get all they stump on done. Its impossible with all that goes on. That is from your local government to the ever obvious on the Hill.

Response by Roger Pemberton made May 24 at 2016 11:47 PM

Roger Pemberton — Tue, 24 May 2016 23:47:04 -0400

The only two politicians I've been impressed with in recent years are Ron Paul and Cory Booker. I may not agree with everything they stand for but I tend to believe they are men of integrity. At least speaking relatively of their colleagues.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 25 at 2016 12:23 AM

COL Charles Williams — Wed, 25 May 2016 00:23:31 -0400

Yes, we do

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 25 at 2016 12:39 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 25 May 2016 00:39:19 -0400

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, as long as the voters elect politicians that promise them more than their fair share from the public coffers they will elect politicians that are willing to use the public coffers for the politician's own personal benefit - votes.

Corrupt politicians are the direct result of corrupt voters; we will always get the most corrupt representation that we will tolerate.

Response by SrA Steve Susumu Monas made May 25 at 2016 3:48 AM

SrA Steve Susumu Monas — Wed, 25 May 2016 03:48:57 -0400

Col. I am not sure, that's a hard question Sir. I think that Paul family is good, Dr.Paul Ron would have change the USA for sure. Sanders isn't bad. But the rest of the political people and Families are not a choice I would make. Just on Moral Character and Ideology alone makes most of them not good choices.
How to get out of this, that's hard. Put a Doctor or a General in the position of Commander and Chief..thank for the post Col. Makes you think...

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 5:18 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 05:18:17 -0400

Trey Gowdy, Issa, Chaffetz, Jordan, Corker, Sessions, Lyndall, Kinser, Lee, Rubio, Kasich
Research, Research, Research, Drag your neighbor to the polls, Vote Vote Vote
Keep em honest. Write em, call em

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 25 at 2016 9:30 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 May 2016 21:30:09 -0400

Justin Amash is one. So was Ron Paul. Louis Gohmert is a third.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2016 8:17 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 May 2016 08:17:49 -0400

if they got to the point where they are now politicians, they lied and they keep on lying. the political system and corrupt and because of that many are on the brink of leaving this country and many allready left. Im thinking about doing the same when I leave military.

Response by SSG Joe Shepherd made May 26 at 2016 4:12 PM

SSG Joe Shepherd — Thu, 26 May 2016 16:12:03 -0400

Not Republicans anyway.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 26 at 2016 5:36 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 26 May 2016 17:36:33 -0400

If we do their keeping a pretty low profile.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 12:50 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 00:50:39 -0400

I believe there are but then again I used to believe in Santa Clause.

Response by SPC Dee Bartlett made May 27 at 2016 2:52 AM

SPC Dee Bartlett — Fri, 27 May 2016 02:52:34 -0400

No, I don't think you can have any honest politicians. My primary basis for this thought is my belief that you can advocate for or you can politic, but you can't do both. Advocating requires you to the be true to yourself and your beliefs. Politicking (which I'm almost positive isn't even a verb) requires you to say whatever needs to come out of your mouth to sway the people. The two are counterproductive. Just my experience.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2016 7:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 May 2016 07:31:16 -0400

Have we ever? I suspect politicians going back to Washington, and especially Patrick Henry and always at least “stretched” the truth until it broke

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made May 27 at 2016 9:20 AM

MSgt Wayne Morris — Fri, 27 May 2016 09:20:21 -0400

Numerous polls having Congress approval rate at 13% yet the re-election rate is over 80%. Hence we the voters think Congress sucks but our own reps are the best thing since sliced bread. We are the problem not Washington because we the voters don't demand accountability from our representatives and most of us don't have a clue if they are truly working for our beliefs or not but as long as they keep sending that pork back home we pull the lever for them.

Response by LT Mike Folker made May 27 at 2016 9:27 AM

LT Mike Folker — Fri, 27 May 2016 09:27:16 -0400

Running for public office is an expensive proposition: you also open yourself to public examination, ridicule. Who wants that?
You need a campaign staff, seniors of which are paid; & too often you'll get people that're just waiting for the opportunity to ride coattails forever. It's a cutthroat world: & by the time you get used to having your throat cut, you've got used to cutting throats of others, lying, cheating, & laundering money. That's all before you make your first campaign speech.
"Honest politician" is an oxymoron: some are better than others, but none of them are like you & me. There are encouraging stories of some that escaped: Larry Pressler; an Oregon congressman named Jim Bunn. But complete change of attitude is very rare; & even rarer for public persons & especially public persons that troll for your vote.

Response by SFC Robert Bower made May 27 at 2016 9:52 AM

SFC Robert Bower — Fri, 27 May 2016 09:52:14 -0400

Yes, TRUMP! That's why"they" hate him. He's not in it for the money like crooked hillary is!

Response by SFC Robert Bower made May 27 at 2016 9:57 AM

SFC Robert Bower — Fri, 27 May 2016 09:57:58 -0400

ALL POLITICIANS SHOULD HAVE SERVED IN THE MILITARY "ACTIVE DUTY" FOR AT LEAST 5 YEARS TO EVEN APPLY FOR ANY OFFICE! PREFERABLY SENIOR ENLISTED CAUSE WE ALL KNOW, SENIOR OFFICERS ARE BASICALLY POLITICIANS ALREADY AND WE SEE EVERY YEAR, THEY GET IN ALOT OF "TROUBLE" OF VARIOUS TYPES. .. YOU JUST DON'T SEE THAT WITH SENIOR ENLISTED.

Response by SPC Dawud Makonnen made May 27 at 2016 8:16 PM

SPC Dawud Makonnen — Fri, 27 May 2016 20:16:02 -0400

Lying and politics are the right and left hand; can't do without the other. Lying has been part of the human story since the beginning.

You might say the people in the past were better...perhaps! I think honor had a lot to do with things. People were afraid to dishonor their family names and to be perceived as a liar.

Things in current day are reversed; lies are the savior while truth gets held in bondage. Don't get me wrong I believe some politicians start out like the Anakin Skywalker's eventually taken by the dark-side either full Sith or in plain sight like Palpatine.

It's not about the issues anymore it's about who can sling the most dirt or who's the most popular among the people to get votes. Obama set precedence in the latter. Politics isn't about building nations and the people within it's really a mess now sadly.

Response by PO3 James Carter made May 28 at 2016 1:37 AM

PO3 James Carter — Sat, 28 May 2016 01:37:20 -0400

From what I have studied in my history and government classes is that the 'politicians' back in the day, 1800's or so, is that while yes there were lawyers and the like, there were also doctors, farmers, bankers, land owners..they went to DC to listen to their constituents did their 'job' for a term, maybe two, then came home to their real job..now we have professional politicians who stay around because of the silent majority, 'As long as the politician doesn't bother me, I don't care what he/ she does.' So the politician will say what 'you' want to hear, gets elected, and then forgets everything 'you' said since 'I'm' in office I can do anything I want to do...if people realized that there ARE term limits to a congressperson's term they will probably be much less reluctant to vote to person in or out of office...I.e. They will once again 'listen' to their constituents...or maybe I'm being to naive????

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made May 28 at 2016 9:06 AM

Maj Marty Hogan — Sat, 28 May 2016 09:06:31 -0400

I think they may come in with honorable intentions, but the power and greed monkey ultimately gets them all. Integrity is the first thing out the door....

Response by SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter made Nov 23 at 2017 11:36 PM

SSgt Harvey "Skip" Porter — Thu, 23 Nov 2017 23:36:02 -0500

Honestly more of them are deceitful and of low moral standards.

Peace!