Can we achieve real Change in Washington?

[NoBushSpokenHere]

I have been up and down so much since the Supreme Court ruled against us in the Al Gore case. I really thought we could win in 2004, but the machines, I guess were stronger than the will of the people.

Just when I started to become hopeful yet again, I have this huge feeling of dread hanging over me. I am very concerned we may not achieve change - not because of the election, but because it is difficult to tackle corporate greed. They say every man has his price. I have always believed true Democratic people would resist corruption.

I believe I could resist for the good of the country, I know many people that I could have faith in to resist as well. Principles are more important to me than money. We have to rely on those we elect to resist the temptation but the corporate machine is huge and powerful. This isn't about our potential candidates, it is about politics in general. Do you really think that we can prevail against a corrupt corporate system like we currently have today in DC?

Also, if we don't have change in the system, where will we be 10 years from now? I know things are horrid here in Ohio, so many people have lost jobs, homes and hope, it feels as though we are on the brink of a total collapse. Does anyone else feel the same?

[originalpckelly]

1. The problem is that we only address the symptom of the disease, not the disease.

Corrupt politicians are bribed, yes, but they are bribed by people with lots of money. How did those people get lots of money?

In a free market, with every purchase made by a rich person, the amount of wealth under their control obviously decreases. That means that if there wasn't some method of replenishing that wealth, wealth inequality would naturally resolve itself without government intervention.

We tax these rich people, but again, taxes only address the symptom of unequal wealth distribution while leaving the disease of the rich taxing the work of the vast majority of people.

Taxes can be reduced by politicians bribed by the rich, and the wealth that was taxed away will be replenished by the corporations.

We must pursue a free market alternative to the current common corporate structure.

[Glorfindel]

2. Hope springs eternal...but after 2006

I was so ELATED and had such great expectations. And we got Reid and Pelosi, go along to get along, sell-out Democrats, cave-in Democrats, DINO's, et cetera ad nauseam. I'll always be a Democrat, and I'll always vote and work for our candidates, but I share your dread. :scared:

[comradebillyboy]

3. probably not, since we have

the best damned government money can buy. And as long as them that gots can buy access and us who don't got can't I don't imagine any real change will occur. Some of Bush's worst policies will be reversed, but no matter who wins the people with money to give to politicians will always win too.