Modern politicians, are they too corrupt?

SPC Mathew Brady — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 09:55:11 -0400

I've heard several people of the "younger generation" that haven't served say it's time to clean house on congress because they're so out of touch with the people or those slogans you always see that "Politicians should wear nascar jackets so you know who bought them" while I try and find the good in everyone, what are your thoughts on our current state on politicians? Is it time to clean house and get the millionaires and billionaires out and get veterans and working class people in? Seems complicated I know but what do you think would be best for our country?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2015 10:04 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 10:04:22 -0400

They seem less corrupt than past officials, but any politician that states there is no corruption in DC is just too corrupt to see it.

I'm all for term elections for house representatives, and for voting out all the incumbents, this congress has been appalling.

Response by CSM Carl Cunningham made Sep 22 at 2015 10:04 AM

CSM Carl Cunningham — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 10:04:29 -0400

I don't think they are too corrupt. Don't get me wrong though, they are not angels. I just think there is way more going on than the American public knows or even cares about. Until we get put hollywood on the back burner and put patriotism up front in our media, not much will change.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Sep 22 at 2015 10:07 AM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 10:07:08 -0400

We run into a couple problems.

1) First is the ability to run a successful campaign. That costs money. You have to get a message out. A working class person just isn't going to be able to afford that "on their own" therefor they will need "sponsors" or "contributors" or "donors." The issue however is that some of those people have more means to donate than others, which can disproportionately influence the candidate.

2) Second is knowledge base. We want our Executives to have executive level knowledge. Our Legislatures to have knowledge on how to craft law, and our Judicial on how to interpret law. That requires education. Education generally requires not only money, but time. Those things generally eliminate debt, which in turn remove a sizable portion of the population.

3) Third is monetary wealth is often an indicator of success in a previous profession. We want successful people "leading" us. It becomes an ironic twist when we use the same logic trying to say these same people shouldn't be allowed to serve.

Response by SGT David T. made Sep 22 at 2015 10:23 AM

SGT David T. — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 10:23:07 -0400

No more or less so than old politicians. Things just come out more now due to the information age.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Sep 22 at 2015 10:30 AM

SSG Warren Swan — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 10:30:08 -0400

I'm offended someone said for them to wear NASCAR jackets. I'm a NASCAR fan. Beyond that, yes they are bought. You don't see the politician during their beginning phases of election looking for the common American, but you'll see them getting cozy with the billionaires looking for funding to further their campaigns. After they've gotten their "backing", then they go out and stump talking about "American" values. Maybe we should start with actual campaign laws that have teeth and severe consequences, see who fights them, and go after them? Those with the loudest voices would probably have the most to loose. Do away with all PACS and "anonymous donors". Anything past .02 cents has a name and verified address attached to it. And no PO boxes don't count. No foreign donations. And all campaigns get audited without warning to enforce conformity.

Response by SPC Mathew Brady made Sep 22 at 2015 10:36 AM

SPC Mathew Brady — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 10:36:25 -0400

I guess another question is should attacks be limited or banned against each other? Nothing more petty to me than seeing these politicians attack each other's families, backgrounds and issues of the past, unless it was a major issue ex: they forced the government shut down.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 22 at 2015 11:08 AM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 11:08:16 -0400

Define corrupt, accept huge donations from corporations then vote in favor of bills that aid those companies? Vote to give foreign government economic aid that they have to spend on US made goods (see first comment). Vote to strip our federally protected lands for corporate use (see first comment). Use their political clout to influence votes so they can make millions for themselves and their cronies. Indirectly or overtly support terrorism (Iran Contra, reinstalling the Shah of Iran, supporting Sadam Hussein), eroding the US Constitution. No I don't they do any of those things, said no one.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 22 at 2015 11:46 AM

MCPO Roger Collins — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 11:46:06 -0400

I believe that most go to Congress with good honest intentions, but become addicted to the power and money. And that is why so many of us would like to see term limits. The reason that won't happen is because no one wants to lose the job. How often does the public say mine is good, it is the other rascals that are tainting the pot.

Response by SSG Ed Mikus made Sep 22 at 2015 11:59 AM

SSG Ed Mikus — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 11:59:38 -0400

I think any corruption is too much but i have not read about or heard of a government free from it all, i do not think we have more than our share but i would love to see less.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Sep 22 at 2015 12:12 PM

COL Jean (John) F. B. — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 12:12:41 -0400

SPC Mathew Brady - I certainly think that there are a great many politicians who are corrupt, however, I don't honestly think they are in the majority.

I also think your premise is off-base. Just because a person is a millionaire or billionaire, that does not make him/her corrupt. Similarly, just because a person is a veteran or "working class" does not exclude him/her from being corrupt.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 22 at 2015 12:26 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 12:26:16 -0400

Which came first... corruption in politics or corruption in government? I've seen perfectly good men and women march bravely into the maw of elected office to be chewed up and spat out as corrupt politicians. This is why government was supposed to be limited: To limit the damage it can do. As government has grown the reach of its corruption has grown. It's unavoidable...

Response by SPC George Rudenko made Sep 22 at 2015 1:59 PM

SPC George Rudenko — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 13:59:01 -0400

Modern politics? Go back to Greece, Rome, Jews in the middle east BCE. Politics have not changed at all.

Response by SSG Jeremy Sharp made Dec 19 at 2016 3:07 PM

SSG Jeremy Sharp — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 15:07:11 -0500

They are far too corrupt and it is way past time to get others involved. That having been said, how do you convince a person of honor and integrity that it is a good idea for them to dive headfirst into the political cesspool?