Why don't politicians act in the best interest of America?

Question

The US government is suppose to represent and act in the best interest of our country and our citizens. Why do they constantly do things that benefit other countries and hurt our nation, our economy, our people and etc? Are we responsible to be the world's keeper at the expense of our own safety, security and financial well being? Are politicians acting illegally (outside our constitution) by looking out for the interest of other countries at the expense of our own people? What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

America doesn't have a common interest. That's your simple answer. Some americans are pro-israel, some americans are pro-palestine. And despite whatever Bush tells Pelosi to say to Syria we are NOT united on any issue.

Except free health care, but those f'in insurance scam artists will never stop lobbying. THEY ARE THE MOST EXPENSIVE AND ABUSIVE MIDDLE MEN IN THE WORLD!

Answer 2

I can't really explain the why, but I can add a few comments.

The Constitution describes what the federal government is, in terms of what they may, may not, must and must not do. The Framers realized that it had to be simple, because complexity simply didn't suit the purpose of allowing constant oversight by the People, and oversight by the People is the sine qua non of freedom.

As an example, we've reached a point where it appears that our entire State Department is a lost ball in tall grass. Instead of representing US interests overseas, it seems that diplomats think their job is to represent foreign interests to the US, by securing whatever that country wants in the way of financing, subsidies, tariff preferences, outsourcing contracts, you name it. It's no trouble finding people that feel the effects of the problems created, but tracing the path backward from your neighbor's home being foreclosed to the new trade agreement bill favoring a particular country back to a phone call from a diplomat to a congressman and finally back to the diplomat having lunch with a king that would really appreciate the US sending him a few thousand jobs...how many of us have the tools to do that? We never realize that Congress gave our jobs away because the State Department thought it'd be a friendly gesture to a third world ally.

Look at the Dubai purchase of our ports. Did you notice that in the criticism of Bush for this, no one ever accused the Administration of violating the laws? That's because Congress had written laws for what was required of a foreign government that wanted to buy the ports, and those laws were followed, but we did notice the result. We learned enough to get the result changed, but most people never noticed that the Executive wasn't at fault, it was Congress that wrote bad laws.

And we are so lost that if you ask either of the two major parties how to fix the problem (assuming they see it in the first place), their instinctive reaction is that we need more laws and new agencies to counter the overcomplication.

Answer 3

Because they're too busy acting in their own best interests to worry about their charges. The only people the rich care about are the rich, and so long as the poor remain poor, they'll continue to act in their own best interests until Kingdom Come.

Politics is a nasty game... it's like a secret organization that has only been created to make things harder than they need be; that's why The Constitution is 'a living document'. They can make whatever amendments to it they want to-- so long as it's put to a "vote"-- and so long as The President agrees with the change... but he's got nothing to lose by agreeing to the changes.

That's one reason why we have to pay taxes on a debt the founding fathers made two hundred years ago, which we, the living, had nothing to do with. Originally, taxing people on money they made was ILLEGAL! ... And it should have remained so! But, so long as taxes keep going up, the politicians can keep giving themselves raises every year, to make them as rich as they can possibly be, during their time in the politician's chair. They're not worried about us... they're worried about themselves.

Answer 4

I would hope that our people are not so selfish and greedy that we would leave all other countries to fate while we sit in luxury. I have seen quite the opposite. I think they are taking advantage of other countries for our gain. Of this, I am ashamed, but I feel that every time we help other countries, we make up for a wrong that we have done elsewhere.

Can you give specific examples to support your point of view? Sure we have given financial aid and food to needy areas of the world, but I'm willing to bet you either already have or will eat today - food that you bought with your own money. I assure you we do not give food and money to people who are in such conditions as you. The fact that you were even able to rant about this on your COMPUTER suggests that you are light years beyond the financial wealth that these people will ever experience.

Don't get so caught up in greed and selfishness that you forget all that you are blessed with, and NEVER forget that it is a blessing.

Answer 5

The Glass is Half Full: They're hoping that by helping other countries we will have allies if ever we need them. Also, America is a part of the WORLD economy and we have a lot of overseas businesses, therefore by looking out for their best interest, we are looking out for our own best interest.

The Glass is Half Empty: They had to curry so much favor from lobbyists, party members, business men etc. that they can no longer look out for the best interest of the country because they are trying to repay the favors that got them into office.

Answer 6

Having had exposure to the intilligence community - i'm able to assure you they the CIA is composed of people who're there as a manner to serve the country. those are people who - by way of fact the asserting is going - "bleed crimson, white and blue." one element you in addition to would would desire to recollect is that we the yank individuals are people who deliver those human beings out into circumstances the place there is incredibly no sparkling distinction between 'ultimate' and 'incorrect.' In result we make those human beings chosen the 'least incorrect' option and then they remember on us to 'shrink them some slack.' the reality of the project is that in case you require that the CIA be squeaky sparkling and continually 'play by utilising the regulations' - we lose our skill to habit 'human intelligence' operations (the classic 'undercover agent' stuff). .

Answer 7

Well for politicians Its not easy too fund a campaigns, they spend a lot of money too run for offices they are trying too serve. Sometimes they have too depend on there own money out of there own pocket or depend on donations of public that support interest of the party or lobbying politician to support there Interest.

Answer 8

It's hard to act in the best interest for someone else, when you acting in the best interest for yourself. Especially when the two are at conflict with each other...just like Ford, the job is number one.

Answer 9

I think it is because people really don't investigate their candidates. They know little about them and just vote straight their party. Knowledge is power ! If people would do this maybe we wouldn't have this kinda of thing happen. Educate yourself on the candidates and chose the one You feels best represents you.

Answer 10

Just like everyone else. Anything a person does it is in the best of their own personal interest. Sex or Politics.