Who do our politicians really represent?

Question

Do you think they truly represent the people of their states or districts?

Everyone agrees that earmarks are bad for the legislative process, but it's only pork when it's going to someone else's state, right?

Do you think it's possible to effectively reduce or eliminate big money and corporate influence in Washington?

Answer 1

Yes, it is possible. But it will take the citizens to make it happen. We have a chance of moving in that direction with the election of Ron Paul.

Answer 2

The only way that we are going to eliminate big money and corporate influence in WAshington is for the electorate to finally agree to pay for their own elections. Right now it's obvious that corporations are paying for the elections and they are getting what they are paying for. IF we had public funded elections, we'd end all this corporate influence because we would be getting the candidates that we want and not the ones the corporate media wants us to have for the benefit of corporate profits. The American people have to learn that they get what they pay for. If they don't pay for their own government, it's not going to be their government. It will be the government of those who pay for it. In Europe, elections are publically funded, so the government actually listens to the people most of the time. Our's doesn't listen to the people because they are paid for by big corporate interests and the military industrial corporate profiteers. Americans need to stop being such cheapskates and start being an active part of the system. And, stop being so passive about their own government.

Answer 3

the represent the $$.

we need to make the entire process transparent and remove all perks for serving in a representative office.

no paid lobbyists, no exemptions!

make the pay rate for congresscritters the same as that of the least paid grade school teachers in the US.

hold the politicians to a higher standard than everyone else, for example, if they are caught driving under the influence, they lose their license forever and lose their position in gov't, and have to pay restitution in the form of picking up garbage along the road they were caught on weekly for 1 year.

they cannot pass laws to give themselves raises or other perks (such as healthcare) without it going before a general election vote of the people & any perk they get should be made available to the general population at the same cost for the same benefits.

roll back federal laws to give the states back their rights & their $$ along w/it.

term limits for all elected officials.

Answer 4

special interest groups, the same people who paid campaign money to help them get elected. To get this problem resolved all the people would have to take issue and read before they vote until the weeding is done.
Bad things happen because good men stand aside.

Answer 5

They represent themselves. All they care about is getting re-elected. They would sell their soul to the devil himself if it would keep them in office.

The only way to reduce big money and corporate influence is to have a one term limit. If no one is worried about getting re-elected they won't have to worry about doing what their corporate donors want them to do.

Answer 6

Politicians represent themselves.

Answer 7

Politicians represent whoever gives them more money or whoever can benefit them the most. In theory, however, they are supposed to represent the people.

Answer 8

Politicians really only represent themselves

Answer 9

all politicians are in it for themselves and their rich friends. they care nothing for the working man. want to change it? ask the survivors of ruby ridge and waco how rebelling against the govt worked out for them.

Answer 10

Not hard working legal Americans!