Abramoff, Enron, Lobbyists, and the Future

"Culture of Corruption" is more than just a Democratic catch phrase in an election year. It is a good summary of what is going on in Business and Politics in America today. While corruption, influence peddling, and inside deals have been part of power politics throughout history, the 21st century American style is noted for its excesses and pervasiveness.

"If you think that's an exaggeration, here are a few ... numbers to digest:

First, $193 Million. That's the amount being spent per month by special interests wining, dining and seducing federal officials. ...

Then there's 13,997. That's the number of pork projects that individual members of Congress slipped into spending bills last year, without debate, without discussion - without any process or discipline whatsoever.

By comparison, the number of pork projects in 1995 - the first year the Republicans held control of Congress - was 1,439, according to Citizens Against Government Waste.

Do the math - in barely a decade, the number of pork projects grew almost tenfold. No wonder lobbyists are in a feeding frenzy."
- Jay Bookman Atlanta Journal Constitution

"We the People" are well justified to be appalled by this blatant display of special interest influence. From Enron, to Abramoff, to Haliburton, to Big Oil, to Pharmaceutical companies; corporate wealthfare is commandeering our tax dollars for the benefit of the super rich, at the expense of the middle class and the poor.

Unless this trend is reversed, these power grabs and abuses of democracy will hinder the long-term global competitiveness of America as monies that could be invested in tax breaks for innovative new companies, Public Education, Job Training, welfare, Medicaid, social security, College Education, head start, etc. etc. etc. are sucked into pork projects that are fueled by greed; And result in excessive waste of precious resources.

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