Do you think our government is sufficiently compromised that we have effectivly become unrepresented

[Stinky The Clown]

Sure, there are a few who soldier on, caring about us. But for the most part, I'm not seeing much on the way of care for the little guy.

Surely what the majority of American's want means nothing. The Senate cares more about Big Bidniss than they do about us. Joe Barton is not in the least atypical. We ordinaries have been called retards by those in the seats of power. The Supremes said corporations can openly influence elections.

So back to the question: Is the government so compromised that it has ceased to be of and for the people?

[Autumn]

1. Yes. n/t

[AnArmyVeteran]

38. Do you think Obama should declare war on GREED?

That would solve so many problems with this corrupt country.

[Autumn]

43. I don't think that would do any good at all.

We need to hold our Senate and Congress to account. That is where the problem lies.

[cali]

50. How?

I wish there were a viable way. And btw, I'm not referring to my Senators or Congressman. They do represent me.

[Autumn]

64. It all boils down to campaign finance reform.

Until they are forced to give up special interests money lining their pockets we the people are screwed.I write mine all the time complaining about it. LOL I'm sure they think I am a nut case, but I am ready to start withholding my vote. I may not have another party to go to but if I have to I can leave that blank.

[rhett o rick]

177. I see no way to get control back to the people. How do you get a corrupt Congress to

reform themselves?

[Autumn]

182. I haven't got the faintest idea, all I know

is I feel good when I call and tell them I donated to a candidate in another state and I won't give anything to them or to any Democratic fund raisers.

[howaboutme]

183. Public financing is needed but so

is a voting system that we can be assured has integrity like paper ballots.

I'm starting to think that countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq and Pakistan, etc. are no more corrupt than the USA. The USA is just on a different and more sophisticated scale.

We have a controlled corporate media that only investigates and publishes what benefits their interests. How much have heard from the US media that has opposed the Citizens United Supreme Court case? LOL.

The decision in that case was about more money (lots more) in their pocket and they are happy, even if it compromises the USA.

[droidamus2]

57. True but

The problem with holding them to account is that when questioned people in general will voice dissatisfaction with the way the Government, specifically Congress, is being run. Yet, when you ask them specifically about their Representatives and Senators they are not nearly as critical. It seems that all the Reps and Senators suck except for 'theirs' so getting them to pressure their representatives becomes that much more difficult.

[PJPhreak]

113. "Yet when you ask them specifically about their Representatives and Senators...

They are not nearly as critical"

Well then let me be the first one to say that My "Representatives and Senators" Suck!!!

I live in Kansas,As a good book title says,Whats The Matter With Kansas? These Fools

# US Representative Jerry Moran (R) - Kansas' 1st Congressional District (Get A Brain MORAN!)

US Representative Todd Tiahrt (R) - Kansas' 4th Congressional District

US Senator Pat Roberts (R)

US Senator Sam Brownback (R)

[truth2power]

87. A war on greed is the same thing as a war on terror...

Things. ideologies.

How is the war on terror going?

[lob1]

115. Yes, but greed is so much easier to find. Everyone on

this board can point to greedy people or corporations. Very few can point to a terrorist.

[truth2power]

119. Apparently pointing to terrorists is easy, too. See here...

Ohio 6-Year-Old Turns Up on Terror Watch List

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4444315

Geez! :rofl:

[rhett o rick]

190. I think the poster was mocking "war on". But actually not a bad idea. nm

[truth2power]

191. Rereading that post, I think you're probably right. Although

it's long past time for the American people to understand that "greed" is NOT a social good.

[rhett o rick]

194. I think we do need to declare a "war on greed". We need a movement, leader and strategy. nm

[dflprincess]

101. We don't need any more slogans, we need action.

How's that "war" on drugs working out?

[E_Olenska]

184. I just read your Wellstone quote

and it made me want to cry. He was probably our last hope, and they killed him. Nuff said.

[Enthusiast]

102. Now there's an interesting concept.

I could go for it.

[sasquuatch55]

126. Of course! Their ambitions are self serving!

nt

[defendandprotect]

153. We need to declare war on the LICENSE given to practice greed . . .

when our natural resources are placed in private hands . . .

that is LICENSE to exploit --

[fascisthunter]

2. yes... our government is compromised

the "ownership" class controls it through money.

[katsy]

3. Yes.

All of the money and power is in the hands of the wealthy.

Everyone else is expendable.

[Subdivisions]

4. Yes, it is completely compromised. n/t

[polichick]

5. Yes, and I don't know how the few who soldier on can stomach it. nt

[MineralMan]

21. As Martin Luther said, "I can do no other."

That is how. It is either a matter of continuing to work or giving up. Choosing to give up is not a solution, so we work. It's frustrating at time, but it is the only option we have.

I don't know why so few do it. It's embarrassing, in my opinion.

[Dawson Leery]

32. As much as a Banana Republic.

[MineralMan]

58. And your practical suggestion is?

[polichick]

81. I meant the few true ones who soldier on in Congress in today's corporate Dem party.

[readmoreoften]

6. I think it's hard to make an argument that it does represent us.

It certainly doesn't represent the economic interests of the majority.

[NRaleighLiberal]

7. Yes. It's all about money and greed and access. We are on our own.

[Stinky The Clown]

8. 5 ..... 4 ...... 3 ......

[HughMoran]

170. disappointed?

:rofl:

[Stinky The Clown]

173. Book marking

"pattern"

[immune]

9. I think a better question would be

Have the American people ever been truly represented, or have the leaders always leaned toward the protection of money and influence?

[stray cat]

10. DU clearly does not have independent representation above the rest of the country

no special place in the democracy above the lowliest tea partier

[jp11]

11. Short answer yes.

It could be about the people again but not enough 'know' what is going on or 'care', they gobble up what is tossed to them and think the problems they know about are being fixed.

[RainDog]

12. I think the electoral college has made representative govt impossible

...maybe CA will fall apart and form 3 separate states to redress the imbalance... cause it won't happen at the federal level b/c of what would be required.

and then there's the problem of the ease of fraud with electronic and unverified voting...

there are lots of reasons we do not have a govt that represents the population of this nation... gerrymandering districts, election financing, a corrupt Supreme Court that was partner to a coup...

the media is almost entirely whorish and refuses to tell people the truth.

...lots of reasons.

[MineralMan]

19. The Electoral College is only involved with the President.

It is the legislature that is the primary problem today. Congressional elections are local...very local. I can walk my entire Congressional District precinct in one day. To knock on all the doors takes three weekends. It's not rocket science. We can influence the Congress's makeup every two years. It's a wonder that there are so few volunteers to do so.

[RainDog]

30. yes, I also mentioned gerrymandering

which has gone on under both dems and repubs.

gerrymandering has created "safe" districts for one party or the other.

however, the problem is also at the level of presidential elections. the electoral college is a major problem because the presidential election outcomes do not represent the will of the voter in this nation.

the Electoral College encourages voter suppression if you live in a state that in which your vote for president will not count.

I wish we could abolish the electoral college and have direct popular vote for president. The set up now denies people the right choose the president based upon the will of the voter.

The smaller and more regressive states have undue influence. And the only reason the EC was implemented was to protect slavery. Why can't we get beyond that master/slave mentality?

----

Media Matters and Campaign for America's Future conducted this study by examining the past 20 years of independent, nonpartisan polling data from sources such as the American National Election Studies (NES), the General Social Survey (GSS), and Gallup polls. By compiling all of this data, we have examined not only the top-level conclusions, but the underlying questions asked in each survey.

KEY FINDINGS:

The role of government -- 69 percent of Americans believe the government "should care for those who can't care for themselves"; twice as many people (43 percent vs. 20 percent) want "government to provide many more services even if it means an increase in spending" as want government to provide fewer services "in order to reduce spending."

The economy -- 77 percent of Americans think Congress should increase the minimum wage; 66 percent believe "upper-income people" pay too little in taxes; 53 percent feel the Bush administration's tax cuts have failed because they have increased the deficit and caused cuts in government programs.

Social issues -- 61 percent of Americans support embryonic stem cell research; 62 percent want to protect Roe v. Wade; only 3 percent of Americans rank same-sex marriage as the "most important" social issue.

Security -- 43 percent of Americans say we are spending too much on our military; 60 percent feel the federal government should do more about restricting the kinds of guns that people can purchase.

The environment -- 75 percent of Americans would be wiling to pay more for electricity if it were generated by renewable sources to help reduce global warming; 79 percent want higher emissions standard for automobiles.

Energy -- 52 percent of Americans believe "the best way for the U.S. to reduce its reliance on foreign oil" is to "have the government invest in alternative energy sources"; 68 percent of the public thinks U.S. energy policy is better solved by conservation than production.

Immigration -- 57 percent of Americans feel "most recent immigrants to the U.S. contribute to this country" rather than "cause problems." Sixty-seven percent of Americans feel that "on the whole," immigration is a "good thing for this country today."

Health care -- 69 percent of Americans think it is the responsibility of the federal government to make sure all Americans have access to health coverage; 76 percent find access to health care more important than maintaining the Bush tax cuts; three in five would be willing to have their own taxes increased to achieve universal coverage.

If there was a direct vote, these views would be represented over and over again in the choice of a president. We wouldn't have had to deal with Bush, for instance.

[niceypoo]

97. Electoral college keeps us mired in a two party system

The two party system foments deep division in the legislature. The two entities are inexorably linked.

[MineralMan]

198. So, OK, how do you plan to change this?

That's always my question. Unless you have a viable plan to change away from that system, it's just a pipe dream. You see, I agree with you. I'd like to see a direct vote for President and a strict limit on campaign expenses, contributions, and third party ads for all other offices.

Saying that is one thing. Implementing it is something completely different.

Idealism is great, but we live in a world that already exists and has a system. Unless you can describe a path towards your goal, I need to go work within the current system to try to create change. I don't have time any longer for pipe dreams. I gave them up when I hit 40. Now, I'm a month away from 65.

So, again, how do you plan to make these changes? Really. A real plan, please.

[niceypoo]

199. Im pointing out the obvious

Your saying that if I point out something that is sorely obvious, I should just STFU unless I have a magical plan to fix it? That is some strange logic you have there.

[truedelphi]

37. When it costs thirty nine million to run for a Senate seat

in some small little state, and sixty million to run for the Senate in California, it's easy to see why we are gonna watch Millionaire Meg Whitman vs A son of a governor.

The heirs of political dynasties and those who rake in billions are the only ones who can think of running.

[Bert]

167. Dissolve the senate

The senate has no purpose other than to protect us from the evils of a representative government. Incidentally that would also redress the problems in the electoral college. However the small states will never allow that to happen. They love that 200,000 of them are equal to 30,000,000.

[truedelphi]

193. I know - it is truly absurd that the Dakotas and Calif. are places with

Two Senators a piece. Like you say, 200K = 37 million.

[Horse with no Name]

13. History tells us how to handle the situation we find ourselves in

However, I don't expect we will see it utilized in our lifetime, and by then--the entire country will be using textbooks written by fundie Texans so I pretty much see the venture as Mission Accomplished by TPTB.

[blm]

14. Yes...the last chance we had to fully expose the fascists was Jan1993. How did that turn out for us?

The 90s was COVER UP for BushInc 24/7...enough so his idiot, evil spawn would have every opportunity to get the name back into the Oval Office.

[Warpy]

15. We certainly spent the entire years of Stupid's administration that way

We have some representation right now, but it's outnumbered and overwhelmed by corporate representation.

Regulatory agencies are slowly being put back together, the clusterfuck in the Gulf speeding the process. We have a very long way to go before the government stands with the nation against the rich and powerful through regulation of the worst abuses.

I would say we were completely without representation for eight years. We are in a transitional period now, a fragile one. It could go either way in the near and distant future.

[truedelphi]

175. Youseem to be ignoring, some important facts about

the New Regime:

One: the nation's continuing unending wars for profit. (See today's Leon Panetta video in the political vids forum - fifty Al Queda in Afghanistan)

Two: The continuance of the Too Big To Fail economic policies - rewarding mainly the Upper One Percent of the Upper Elite. Over twelve trillion bucks and counting has been offered to the Biggest Players on wall Street. They have used that money for such remarkable achievements as betting against the currencies/economies of the smaller nations, such as Greece, Ireland, and Portugal.

So not only has the money gone from the bottom of society upwards, those receiving it are using it to make things even worse for those at the bottom.

Meanwhile as Main Street's dollars have gone off to Wall Street, people on Main Street have to use their credit cards for expanding their businesses. Which works out great if Mommy or Daddy allows you their Black American Express card ($ 250,000 limit and up) but for the average person, the nine to fifteen percent you end up paying the creditors is money you could be spending to pay for a new helper or two.

Three: An extemely complex and convoluted piece of Insurance "Reform" If you haven't watched
the C Span coverage of the latest round of "What does it all mean" health insurance policy talks, be sure to do so. on that fine web site. Thsoe rounds of talk prove -- If you want convoluted, this HCR passed last year is certainly that.

And many of those on the Panel overseeing how it all plays out and is implemented are Insider Players for the You Know Who Industry.

Four: New no real job creation. Over sixty percent of the new jobs out there last month came from the US Census hiring. Right now, one out of five Americans are un- or under- employed right now.
And again, if you watch C Span, you realize that those inside the Beltway are not worried about the fact that there aren't jobs. We can continue somehow to be a creditor nation, a consuming nation, according to these wonks, and maybe if we are really lucky Obama will allow some of us older unemployed people to be in a VISTA style employment situation. We cannot have Americans really doing anything of real value. It has only been Republican congress critters on C Span talking about gearing us up to manufacture again. That seems to be beneath most elected Dems I see.

[Warpy]

189. You seem not to have read the entire post.

The key words were "transitional period" and the key point was that we could still go either way.

Things aren't as desperate as they were for the 8 lawless years. Things are not changing rapidly enough to suit anyone who realizes what the problems are, but at least people realize there are problems and that is progress.

My bar for this administration was set extremely low since I knew it would be another conservative administration: that they wouldn't make it all worse.

So far, they have slightly exceeded that hope.

[kestrel91316]

16. Yes.

[Curmudgeoness]

17. Yes. But it always has been, from the first days of this country.

The ordinary people were always unrepresented, and given just enough crumbs to keep them from total revolution. And we all thanked them for it.

[Hydra]

180. +1

And the grand myth of the country always covered that over.

The American Revolution was a revolution by the rich, for the rich. Shay's rebellion said it all.

[Cleita]

18. When common sense is demonized as being radical,

like when Bernie Sanders or Dennis Kucinich speak up the truth about what is happening, then I think we have no real representation in numbers sufficient to change what's going on. People like them used to be the mainstream, not anymore though it seems.

[Enthusiast]

106. You're correct, Cleita. nt

[earth mom]

141. Meanwhile, BP is running the show instead of Obama.

Yeah, that's "common sense" for ya. :eyes:

[defendandprotect]

155. BP is running the Gulf .... and its not the only corporation running America and our military . . .!

[MoonRiver]

20. In a word, yes. n/t

[RKP5637]

22. Easy question and easier answer. YES! Today we have USA, Inc. "We the Corporations" and

greed still rules, it's just called various names. There are individuals that care, but collectively "We the People" are not represented IMO. Those not seeing this have blinders on and/or on the take.

[girl gone mad]

23. Yes.

There is no question about it in my mind.

[Laelth]

24. Yes. n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

25. Without equivocation - yes, we are unrepresented.

[LWolf]

26. Yes. nt

[lunatica]

27. Our government is as corrupt as any third world government

For some reason we still think it isn't.

[nadinbrzezinski]

28. Yes and there is hope

how could I write this? We've been here as a nation before. No, not just 1776, which was a fight between property owners, but hey the myth says otherwise. We were here also in the 1880s, and the late 1920s...


So there is hope... as they say it springs eternal.

But I gotta ask if Modern Americans are willing to pay the price? Back in the 1880s people died, and so did people in the 1920s... change in the US does not come without real blood.

[Hardrada]

35. The Labor wars in the Thirties were real battles also.

[nadinbrzezinski]

36. Of course. they are a continuum of the 1920s

and so was the Veteran's March on DC

[truedelphi]

39. The thing is, before the turn of theCentury,

Even the Republican Party stood with the working man. (Source: Howard Zinn)

That party took out ads supporting the strikers in the streets of Chicago, circa 1890...

We don't have much in the way of decent political parties now. neither party cares one whit about the working person.

[nadinbrzezinski]

42. It is up to the people

believing politicos will do this is insane. And that is the lesson people need to learn.

[Lorien]

85. That's what two of Bill Moyers guests said. I wish I could remember their names

but they insisted that a bloody revolution would be the only way out of this. I hope that there's another way. Violence certainly isn't in my nature.

[nadinbrzezinski]

186. The 1880s did not see a full fledged revolt

nor did the 1920s early 1930s. For that matter the civil rights movement didn't either. What all of them saw though was enough violence, death and destruction, to scare the living daylights out of the ruling elite. FDR did not get the the New Deal going because he was a traitor to his class, even if he's been called that way. He did it to save the system, literally.

Here is some of the fun going on in the 1920s and 30s that most Muricans don't know about, and what was back in the mind of people like FDR... the Harlan County War, which was the largest civilian uprising since the civil war.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlan_County_War

Troops were involved and people died.

Hell, in our historical memory the civil rights movement also saw people die.

Why I wonder if the modern American, who has no clue about it's history, will pay the price.

After all, where are people to get any inspiration for working class gumption? From oh The founding Fathers? Hardly. And as is the myth has also hidden a lot of the reality about them. There is no accident that Americans have no clue about the Harlan County War, while they know quite a bit about the heroes of the upper class who kept the peace... it is also no accident that people expect politicos to save them, almost in a cult of personality method. And this sadly is not about right or left. The cult of personality exists on both sides, and that is alien to the American Ethos, but am afraid it's taken hold.

[defendandprotect]

156. Here's what clear . . . if Americans don't curtail corporations... NATURE WILL . . .

because capitalism is a suicidal concept of exploitation of nature

which has already greatly polluted and damaged our planet and our natural

weather systems.

Also agree that we've been here before -- corporatism = fascism.

Behind Civil Rights attacks -- corporatism

Behind anti-Feminist/anti-equality for all attacks -- corporatism

Behind Racism - corporatism

Behind Homosexual myths -- corporatism

Behind the Vietnam war -- MIC/corporatism

Behind the Afghanistan/Iraq wars and sabre ratting with Iran -- MIC/corporatism

It's always been about the ways for elites to exploit nature and humans --

and animal-life --

Royalty/elites simply morphed into corporations --

[PufPuf23]

29. Alas Yes nt

[Pharaoh]

31. yes........

[Catherina]

33. Yes n/t

[Individualist]

34. We've had government of, by and for the corporations ever since the Reagan administration.

[Karmadillo]

40. Yes.

nt

[Old Codger]

41. I have

No doubt whatsoever , completely and totally corporate representation and only corporate.

[theophilus]

44. Yes. We need pulicly financed elections. Plus, our media is a joke.

There is not much hope, at this point. A few crumbs is all we will get.

[CrispyQ]

142. Our survival as "lesser people"

will be dependent on finding the best place under the banquet table - the place where the most crumbs fall.

[Raksha]

45. YES!!!

[City Lights]

46. Yes.

The people are irrelevant. We are a nation of, by, and for the corporations.

Recommended.

[grahamhgreen]

47. Yes - but this may not be the first time.....

[autorank]

48. k*r Yep

[OneGrassRoot]

49. Absolutely. n/t

[gleaner]

51. Yes n/t

[Dr Morbius]

52. Yes and no.

Yes, our gov't is severely compromised, and we don't have the representation we ought to have. But I don't know that we're completely unrepresented. Look at folks like Al Franken, Dennis Kucinich, Bernie Sanders: there are a few good people in government representing us, the people. Too few, but some - and I respectfully suggest to one and all that they have earned our support. Our government long ago ceased to be by, of and for the people. We have government by and of the rich, for the sake of continued profit.

My view is that the government is more afraid of the corporate overlords than they are of us. When the government is afraid of the people, the government is responsive to the people, and the people know liberty.

[Stinky The Clown]

60. From the OP, the first line/paragraph of the body of the post:

"Sure, there are a few who soldier on, caring about us. But for the most part, I'm not seeing much on the way of care for the little guy."

[tomp]

77. the views of the people you mention virtually never end up as policy.

and when they do it's virtually always some relatively small issue. the interests of the rich are never neglected. anything that comes the way of the masses is a bone to momentarily quell the people's outrage and will be taken away at the very next opportunity. period.

[defendandprotect]

162. Where's the "no" in that ... a handful of Democrats? How much worse can we allow this to become?

[mochajava666]

53. Yes, I'm afraid you are right

After the huge 2006 and 2008 Democratic wins, it is still bidness as usual.

[Pooka Fey]

54. Yes.

[Warren Stupidity]

55. Certainly that describes congress. nt

[Warren Stupidity]

56. Dupe delete

[GeorgeGist]

59. In hindsight ...

I think the answer is NO; 'the people' compromised and their government followed.

[marions ghost]

61. Agree

Even the basic things that I care about are not represented in public policy in general.

No vision, no wisdom, no real investment in the people, or in the future.

We are pigs at the end of the trough and the sooner the average little person gets that, the better.

[slampoet]

62. Iam a labor progressive. When is the last time you saw a labor report on the news?

30 years ago they were a regular segment.

[defendandprotect]

164. Decades . . . find anything in a newspaper on labor? No.

What behind anti-labor except corporatism -- !

Elites/Royalty simply morphed into corporations --

And there is only one way the right wing can rise -- and that's thru violence.

We've had more than 50 years of overt right wing political violence --

after they got rid of liberal leadership -- they moved to buying government, buying

our "free press" -- and full time right wing propaganda.

[CanonRay]

63. Yes, we are a Corporatocracy, not a Democracy or Republic

If the BP disaster tells us anything, it's that. The Coast Guard is a wholly owned subsidiary of BP. The Army and State Dept. cannot function without Xe (Blackwater) and Haliburton/KBR. The FDIC and SEC are owned by the big banks. The FDA is controlled by big Pharm. Shall I go on? :puke:

[anarch]

65. yes

admittedly, I live in DC, so I've got a head start on most of you with this one...but in general, yes.

[sellitman]

66. Without a reasonable doubt.

My vote means nothing compared to the vote of Haliburton et al.

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

67. Yes, and IMHO, we are passed the point of no return.

[alterfurz]

143. not quite there yet-?

Beyond a certain point there is no return. This point has to be reached. -- Kafka

For crony capitalism, that point was almost reached before the bailout temporarily patched Humpty back together again. But without meaningful reform, a new and bigger financial crisis appears inevitable. The oligarchy's next bailout will then call for sacrifice of Medicare and Social Security. That seems an end-point at which all bets are off. Then maybe: the change we voted for? and most certainly: a lot we didn't.

[mikehiggins]

68. yes n/t

[WillyT]

69. Yep...

K & R !!!

:kick:

[skeptical cynic]

70. Yes

The U.S. Federal Government has ceased to be of, by and for the people.

[asdjrocky]

71. Think? I know it.

Anyone that can't see by now that they care little for our concerns is just not paying attention.

[alsame]

72. Yes. Big money and lack of term limits almost always

guarantees that we are not the true constituents. A seat in Congress has become a never-ending campaign, with the pols saying what they believe their 'base' wants to hear while their actions serve other masters.

There are exceptions of course, but IMO most politicians are not working for the people who vote for them.

[KG]

73. both parties have sold out the working class for a seat at the table of power.

[hulka38]

74. I don't see how to look at it any other way.

Good post.

[tomp]

75. that conclusion is unavoidable for anyone paying attention.

frankly i think it's been that way for most of the 20th century and centuries before that for Indigenous Americans, African-Americans, and the poor.

it is the Great American Delusion that more people don't see it outright.

[Moochy]

76. Yes

Corporate persons will continue to rape the commons and send out their flacks to tell us to smile about it, telling us cautionary tales of Sarah Palin (tm)

[Kermitt Gribble]

78. Yes. n/t

[orbitalman]

79. Can you REPRESENT BOTH God & the Devil.??

Ahhhh. But the devil has more $$'s.

[amborin]

80. yes, and K&R

[IndianaGreen]

82. The American people has no say so in their government

We only get crumbs from time to time to maintain the illusion of democracy and freedom.

[Lorien]

83. Yes, and people off of DU are talking about this as much as people on DU are

My Facebook news feed is filled with this conversation daily, my relatives talk about it, my neighbors talk about it, people I meet when I'm out and about bring it up at random times. This is one case where the M$M isn't driving the conversation. Everyone seems to be aware that government is only serving Big Business (except for a tiny handful of teabaggers who think that government is standing in the way of Big Businesses efforts to save us all). The problem is; no one knows what to do about it.

[pleah]

84. Yes, imo. n/t

[truth2power]

86. Yes. n/t

[90-percent]

88. My prediction

My prediction is that Corporate over reach will become some blatant and so impossible to ignore that the great masses will finally wake up and will finally fight back at the corporate purchase of our entire government. Politicians continuing trickle down and multiple wars that start eroding Social Security and Medicare/Medicaid, and the continued crumbling of our infrastructure just might reach a tipping point, soon.

The blatancies will become apparent when the Citizens United Supreme Court ruling last January becomes in effect next January, when the corporate whore pols start serving in office. They'll enact some stunning things when they no longer have any checks and balances left in their wielding of raw corporate power.

-90% Jimmy

[Auggie]

89. Absolutely, positively. n/t

[NorthCarolina]

90. Yes, and I agree with Sen. Bernie Sanders when he says the USA is

now effectively an Oligarchy.

[anachro1]

91. It was only a matter of time

that Amerikan stupidity would win the battle.

[L0oniX]

92. Yes

[ArcticFox]

93. Yes

Everyone is expendable. Business controls everything.

[bc3000]

94. yes

[wroberts189]

95. I will match that question with a few more....

How many ordinary everyday people who work hard can schedule a lunch with their Senator?

How many can travel to DC.. pay for it and get time off to do it?

How many live on "K street"?

How many can give large donations?

Jefferson warned us about the ..." "monied" interests" among others like Franklin... "a republic..if you can keep it"...


No one listened.

[OhioChick]

96. Without a doubt. n/t

[DeSwiss]

98. Totally. Utterly. Corrupt. - K&R ...n/t

[Curmudgeoness]

99. So we all seem to agree "yes"---what can be done about it?

Obviously, ordinary people are pissed about this. So what are our options? How do we get back our representation? Or is that even possible anymore?

[Enthusiast]

100. It's pretty obvious now.

And politicians talk about security. As in protecting the nation against "terrorists". But there is real security and pretend security. If we are unrepresented by our government that is a REAL and TANGIBLE LOSS OF SECURITY. A greater loss of security than any threat by a goddamned terrorist even if they successfully attacked us again as on 9/11. JMO. :fistbump:

[fasttense]

103. So, when the uber wealthy have absolutely everything, what then?

Do you think when people are dying by the dozens on the street that the American people might get fed up and object to our corporate masters?

Or will it take hundreds dying, how about thousands?

I wonder how awful it will get before anyone gets up and marches in the street? Will it take slave auctions and debtor's prisons? Will it take hordes of children scavenging through dumpster like Rush Limpballs wants?

When will America have had enough? Obviously we aren't there yet, so just how bad will it get.

[Enthusiast]

110. Looks like they want

a return to Dickensian England.

[peace frog]

104. Yes.

There's no question at this point.

[Desertrose]

105. Definitely...absolutely...yes it has. n/t

[proReality]

107. Extremely, desperately under-represented! n/t

[riderinthestorm]

108. While your post doesn't need any more yes', I have to get in here to be on the record with my yes.nt

[Warren Stupidity]

111. It needs 1000 yes replies.

The failure of our Republic is really the only issue of any importance right now, as that failure prevents meaningful democratic action on the other huge issues that we need to deal with.

[AllyCat]

109. With a few notable exceptions like Sanders, Kucinich, and Grayson, I'd say yes

There are a few who fight sometimes like our Feingold and Baldwin. But mostly, if the Critters can't have some funding from corporate power, they are done and they know it.

[RufusTFirefly]

112. Yes. The brazenness of the health care "debate" eliminated all doubt for me

I've long suspected and long claimed that our system is utterly corrupt and that for the most part our politicians' constituents are not "us" but their large corporate donors. But until the health care "debate" I held out some hope that the people would ultimately prevail.

When the subject turned to health care, I figured the Senate would give single-payer a symbolic seat at the table in order to create the illusion that it was being fairly considered as a possible solution to the nightmare that is the U.S. health care system. But even I wasn't cynical enough to believe that the system used by most of the world's "civilized" nations wouldn't even be allowed to participate in the debate.

That really clinched it for me.

[Stinky The Clown]

165. That did it for me, too.

It also made me see why my vote was squandered by the man to whom I gave it. That was the thinnest camouflage I have ever seen. They knew what we were getting before they even made it an issue.

[defendandprotect]

169. Agree . . . the health care farce eliminated any questions -- broke the back of hope --

[sixmile]

114. Yes

I can only think of two or three representatives who I don't believe are wholly-owned subsidiaries of special interest groups. Therefore, the government is not representative of the people.

[Faygo Kid]

116. I have come to the thoughtful conclusion that we are totally screwed.

Since the selection of W. in 2000, it has been over. The Tea Partiers are useful idiots voting against their own best interests.

[KansDem]

117. Not "yes," but HELL YES!!!

I'm particularly offended and disgusted with the absolutely stupid comments coming from members of Congress. Absolutely stupid!!!

We definitely deserve much better.

on edit: either they're intellectually challenged or it's merely "corpo-speak."

[RedCloud]

118. rec #100! I put you over. Filibuster proof now.

[JDPriestly]

120. Absolutely.

I was thinking this morning. I never liked Ross Perot. But, he sure was right about that sucking sound. The bosses of the world economy have just sucked everything out of our country except the people. And they have devised an ingenious method to divide and conquer us "people."

They control the media. And they use it to control the two-party system and the voters.

Meg Whitman's campaign is going to be a test of just how far they can go with this. Whitman is the last person California needs. But she will be sold to average Californians by the bosses of the world economy as the perfect solution.

Why? Because just as they are buying Greece's last havens of beauty and peace, they want ours: our redwood forests, our mountains, our deserts. They want to own it all. And they will buy it -- with the money we saved and lost when they crashed the world economy.

I know. My post probably belongs in the conspiracy theory group. But, hey, there is a little bit of truth in here. Obviously, the Maddows and Olbermanns do not know that they too are tools of the divide and conquer strategy.

[Stinky The Clown]

168. I see far less tin foil in it than you might imagine.

We are The Owned.

[Hawkowl]

121. Welcome to Neo-Feudalism

Yes. Not represented and not free either.

[glowing]

122. It appears to be this way... However, its normally when things get sooo

bad for the most that things begin to change dramatically... It may not even be our country that leads the way in this. Let China or India go on MASS strike and the world would stop turning.

[Triana]

123. Absolutely. Has been for quite some time.n/t

[bobbolink]

124. Poor people have been unrepresented since Johnson.

Not that it matters.

[awoke_in_2003]

132. they have been sticking it to the poor

for years. Now that the middle class is started to get stuck people are finally noticing. Sad that it took so long.

[bobbolink]

135. What's sadder is that the "attention" will STILL go to the "new poor".

Those of us who have been in this pickle for longer will STILL be ignored.

Unless the rest of you raise hell on our behalf.

Good to see you again! :hi:

[awoke_in_2003]

137. very true...

we are a very selfish people.

"Good to see you again!"
Yeah, I have been kind of scarce the last three weeks. I decided to go back to my former employer. So, after turning in my two week notice I was going gangbusters to finish up some things. Last week was my first week back and I have been busy catching up. Good to be back with them, though. It is a very stable company (been around since the end of WWII) and is going through a growing phase.

[barbtries]

125. some time ago, yes

very unfortunate for us and for the rest of the world.

[donco6]

127. No

It works perfectly for those with a shitload of money!

Ha! Ha!

Otherwise yeah we're pretty fucked.

[Crystal Clarity]

128. Yup. Clean Elections folks... nt.

[fishbulb703]

129. Yes.

[gtar100]

130. Yes. Effectively it has which is why many in power feel little need

to hide their loyalties anymore. It's become painfully clear to me that we live in a fascist state. It's not the same as the Italian Mussolini-style, jack-booted fascism forcing it on an unwilling population. It's corporate manipulation of all things related to economics. We've gotten so smart on how to manipulate people for the benefit of increasing profits that the police and military strong-armed tactics are required only in extreme cases (such as in emergencies in which 'the people' are in dire need) and where the economic engines are most vulnerable (elections, summits, etc).

[Politicub]

131. Yes. Going against the tide gets more difficult daily

With some of the legislation that has been passed and especially decisions by the Supreme court, it does seem like the infrastructure is being put in place to make it virtually impossible to turn things around.

But I'm not a defeatist. It's still vitally important that we continue to resist, even if only to slow down the pace of the dismantling of our system.

[Swamp Rat]

133. yes. eom

[Paper Roses]

134. Without doubt. n/t

[TBF]

136. The rich are represented -

others not so much.

[guitar man]

138. Yes

It's pretty obvious that the wealthiest fraction of a percent are represented while the rest of us can go pound sand :grr:

[Techn0Girl]

139. A Better Question is "And Just What are you going to do about it?"

Because 99.9% of the poeple who post to boards like this one won't do a damn thing except make a "K&R!" post when they see something like this , then go sit back light up a spliff ( or fire up the XBox) and rest secure that they've done their democratic duty to the country. The left wing equivalent of Joe Six-Pack (Joe Blog-Pack ????)

Ask them to give up a hundred bucks (or fifty - or even twenty!) to finance real reform - or to take a day off and march in the streets and you'll get a MUCH less enthusiastic response. Of all the "Hell Yes!" responses you see here , I'll bet you couldn't get more than one to actually give time to a protest march. Or spend 10 hours a week organizing. Got to pay for the new car....the new iphone.... kid needs to go to college you know.

Yeah.
Right.

Blogs are a GREAT resource for the ruling wealthy class in this country because it gives the vast majority of "Six-packs" out there a great sense that they've done something important (by posting) when in fact nothing at all has been changed. Blogs are a wonderful relief valve for the peasantry in this country.

I'm upset.
I'm disillusioned.
I don't think anything will ever change until a LOT more families go hungry .
Until a LOT more people are unemployed, underemployed - have their hopes and dreams smashed and broken.

I'll say this once - for the most part -
Posting. Doesn't . Do. Shit.

Your masters aren't afraid of your K&Rs - they're afraid of feet on the streets.
Do Something.

[Name removed]

140. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[onethatcares]

144. I'm in the "yes" column

the club doesn't include me at all. Doesn't represent me, won't really acknowlege me except when it wants a donation or a vote.

[wildbilln864]

145. yes! nt

[nc4bo]

146. Absolutely! nt

[havocmom]

147. Yep

and if the people working to keep more from noticing that fact would work just half as hard at representing the people, things would be so much better; and the party would be so much stronger.

[harun]

148. Yes, no brainer. We live in a Corporate Representative Republic. We need democratic reforms.

[OnyxCollie]

149. Simply "adjust" your principles. Problem solved.

Then you can accept any excuse for why you are being denied universal health care, civil rights, etc. in stride.

It's all good!

Show your love and admiration- Start a fan club for your elected representative! Put on your rose-colored glasses and enjoy the day!

"Raindrops keep fallin' on my head..."

[skyounkin]

150. Yes.

[colsohlibgal]

151. +1 and Big Yes

1984 here in 2010.

[defendandprotect]

152. Yes . . . consider representation 9 on SC, male-majority, give to 310 million people!!

And I think Joe Barton is an excellent example of the arrogance --

we have to ask for such defense what is his reward?

The idea that corporate campaign contributions aren't considered "bribes" is hilarious!!

[Myrina]

154. yes

n/t

[MissDeeds]

157. Yes

And it will remain so as long as those governed request representation instead of demanding it.

K&R

[Jakes Progress]

158. Been bought, paid for, pocketed.

I do believe the country will need to start over. Hey. 200 years was a good run.

[femrap]

159. This happened a long time ago. nt

[TheKentuckian]

160. Absolutely and it's probably as bad as it's been since before the Depression or longer

Playing the game means surely losing. It's time for not only new rules but a shift to a new game.

End of the line, catch another train or never even get close to our hoped for destination.

[tiredtoo]

161. When this country was created

The founding fathers felt the common man should not have too much power. they were not capable of actually governing themselves this got us the electoral college. Slaves of course had no vote, women either. So in that sense we have progressed some. We have slipped a bit in the last 30 years or so but this thing runs on a pendulum and we are slowly, very slowly, swinging to the left.
I looked up the jet fighter engine thing on google today planing on using it in a letter to the editor. I found out my Democratic Senator Carl Levin supports it. I sent a scathing email to him. Awaiting his reply.

[elleng]

163. yes

[canoeist52]

166. Yes--we need election reform now!

[Clear Blue Sky]

171. Yes follow the money. nt

[SILVER__FOX52]

172. No question about it.

[unblock]

174. represented, no; humored, yes.

[theFrankFactor]

176. Corporations Play The System - Both Sides Owned - Dems Are Wash. Generals

[RufusTFirefly]

179. Bingo. It's like Honda vs. Acura

The rivalry is primarily for show as they both have the same parent company.

[rhett o rick]

178. In a word.......fuckyes nm

[EVDebs]

181. IT'S UNANIMOUS !--YES. nt

[FedUp_Queer]

185. Well...duh.

Shouldn't Citizens United about seal that deal?

[hay rick]

187. Sadly, yes.

We have become a zombie democracy. While our government looks like a democracy, it does not function like one in important ways. Most importantly, the decisions made by our elected representatives are more responsive to the demands of wealthy individuals and their corporate proxies than they are to the needs of the majority of the population.

The burning question of our time is what to do about it.

[Hydra]

188. Yup, I think it's quite nicely compromised

They lost me on torture.

Not that we didn't secretly torture for years, but having it all out there, and describing the necessity of it is quite a sign that you are dealing with an entity that doesn't care about you.

[raccoon]

192. Yes. nt

[Greyhound]

195. No question about it.

[hughee99]

196. It has been for a long time, our interests are only represented to the extent

that they coincide with interests of those with power and influence.

[mmonk]

197. Yes.

In fact, its hard to find a western government more corrupted than ours.

[lonestarnot]

200. Has been for some years now.