Philosophy? Current Event? Hmm

[Gilgamar]

Allow me to preface this with a confession. I am not the most politically minded person. I lack the motivation to stay truly informed about every detail of the political scene in America. I follow a few things though. I'm not exactly certain how this thread will be recieved but please understand that I intend it to be a stepping off point for discussion. I present what I have seen in recent times and at the end I will pose a question.


Regarding the Social Security issues I came across this article.

SS Article

In another thread:

Here

Aristotle discusses the various ways in which the SS problem should be handled completely different than from what the politicians wish to do. I'm not saying either side is to blame, both sides are and it will lead into my question at the end.

This is just one example of the many ways that politicians (NOTE: That's politicians, not organizations, not companies, not even the establishment of politics, rather it is the individuals who are referred to as politicians) manipulate and twist things to stay in power. We have heard scandals and misuses of power. Theft of monies from various funds and a multitude of other nefarious things.

The question then is :Why do we keep electing the same group into office? While a few members may come and a few may go every few years, why do we continue to allow the majority of the same con men, thieves, scoundrels and liars to sit in our government?

Why have we not sent a strong, clear message to them by NOT voting for those who would do such things? Voting out a handful does nothing to persuade the majority to act in your best interest. Should they not be held accountable? Should we not, instead of electing the lesser of two evils, elect those who have not proven to be so?

There seems to be a lack of interest among the general population of the US in regards to what their direct representatives do. I doubt most people can actually name their elected officials.

Perhaps I'm a hypocrite for not following as closely as I should. Perhaps.

Thoughts, discussions, opinions, flames?

[Halyanne]

Hmm

I think its because the corrupt people are the ones with the money. From what I have gathered before I left the country and following some things, in order to get elected, you need money. The person with the most money can do more advertising, tv spots, travel to towns/cities and hire a huge staff to send out flyers or what have you.

[Aristotle]

Probably the biggest reason there is never much shuffling is a simple one:

Congressional districts are gerrymanders so horribly that only a tiny percentage of elections even have a chance of being competitive.

Politicians have drawn the districts in such excrutiatingly absurd ways that the results are almost always guaranteed.