Medicare Part D: 535 Congressmen, 600 Lobbyists...No one representing the Middle Class

[DKW 86 7,914]

 

[homersapien 12,262]

Good stuff! 

The systemic problems with our country's politics is depressing. 

IMO, the solution starts with the overturn of the "Citizen's United" decision.  The prospect of that happening with our current SCOTUS is what makes it depressing.

 

[icanthearyou 4,468]

Representation must be limited to those who can afford lobbyists. 

Campaign finance, lobbying and the revolving door ensure that the vast majority have no voice.

But hey,,, extreme inequality, a looted treasury, growing poverty are goals worth pursuing. 

Privitize, financialize, militarize and, de-democrotize.  More for Wall St., less for everyone else,,, NOW!

 

[DKW 86 7,914]

10 hours ago, homersapien said:

Good stuff! 

The systemic problems with our country's politics is depressing. 

IMO, the solution starts with the overturn of the "Citizen's United" decision.  The prospect of that happening with our current SCOTUS is what makes it depressing.

100% TOTALLY AGREE. CU is the core of almost all of the bad errors done domestically in the US since it happened.

[homersapien 12,262]

19 hours ago, DKW 86 said:

100% TOTALLY AGREE. CU is the core of almost all of the bad errors done domestically in the US since it happened.

It basically established the basis of our entire society:

Big money makes our laws and everyone else walks.

 

[AURex 2,262]

The old-fashioned notion that [politicians elected by your local constituency are going to look after your welfare ..... welp ... forgetaboutit!

 

[DKW 86 7,914]

19 hours ago, homersapien said:

It basically established the basis of our entire society:

Big money makes our laws and everyone else walks.

I like it when Carlin, you, and I agree on things.

 

[AU9377 6,057]

For far too long, compromise has meant neither side giving up much.  Instead, we add more debt and pay for most of what each side wants.  The reality is that compromise in our current state of affairs should mean everyone foregoing some of their wants and prioritizing what the country actually needs.

We can maintain the best fighting force in the world without spending what we spend on defense.  Stating that is not anti-American or anti armed forces.  It is dysfunctional to think that it is.  We simply have to change how we allocate funding and have priorities. 

The same is true with health care spending.  We allow lobbying groups to simply tell us how much we need to pay and we blindly pay, rewarding everyone but the average American who too many times is forced to face bankruptcy or financial ruin simply due to an unforeseen illness or injury.  We could do better, but doing better isn't the goal.  The goal is to make special interests happy and show them a return for their contributions.

Edited August 21, 2023 by AU9377

[homersapien 12,262]

5 hours ago, DKW 86 said:

I like it when Carlin, you, and I agree on things.

 

The only thing I disagree with you on is that - whatever their faults, which are legion - Democrats are not exactly equivalent to Republicans regarding values and purpose.

You could perhaps make such an argument 20 or 30 years ago, but not in 2023.

Edited August 21, 2023 by homersapien

[homersapien 12,262]

3 hours ago, AU9377 said:

For far too long, compromise has meant neither side giving up much.  Instead, we add more debt and pay for most of what each side wants.  The reality is that compromise in our current state of affairs should mean everyone foregoing some of their wants and prioritizing what the country actually needs.

We can maintain the best fighting force in the world without spending what we spend on defense.  Stating that is not anti-American or anti armed forces.  It is dysfunctional to think that it is.  We simply have to change how we allocate funding and have priorities. 

The same is true with health care spending.  We allow lobbying groups to simply tell us how much we need to pay and we blindly pay, rewarding everyone but the average American who too many times is forced to face bankruptcy or financial ruin simply due to an unforeseen illness or injury.  We could do better, but doing better isn't the goal.  The goal is to make special interests happy and show them a return for their contributions.

Good points.  And it loops right back to money in politics.  Citizens United.