What is wrong with the politics in Washington D.C.?

“..That government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the Earth”, Abraham Lincoln. What happens to a government that has gone astray from that very principal? Our government has developed into a machine run by a congress made up of individuals that manipulate the populous to get into office and continue to perpetuate the inefficiencies that are going to make our country bankrupt. The elected officials have proven time and time again they are bankrupt of morals by the scandals of Presidents and congress but now have our government on the brink of financial ruin. The pork barrel spending and excessive personal gain have continued to send us in the wrong direction. Mr. Lincoln certainly isn’t resting in peace.

Just a couple points:

Socialism. How else do you describe a government that takes the wealth from those that work and earn a living to those that don’t? The more money one makes, the more one is taxed. That doesn’t encourage capitalism but encourages a society of entitlement. I was raised to believe this is a free capitalistic society and the harder you work, the more you can provide for yourself and your family. I believe in charity and hoping those that are looking for a hand up…not a hand out. How can an individual who may pay in $1000 to the IRS through payroll deductions during the year get a return for $4000? These are hypothetical numbers but the situation exists. The additional $3000 comes from those that work hard to try to get ahead. I’m not talking about disabled individuals who truly deserve some additional aid. I’m referencing those that have learned to have the system pay them instead of working to get ahead. Why is this allowed? Ask your representative in Washington who has permitted it.

Wasteful spending. Last week I received a color mailer from my Congresswoman, Corrine Brown. What was it for? The IRS Earned Income Tax Credit. Why did she feel it was necessary to send that information to her constituents? It is already handled by the IRS. It’s on their website, included with the directions for completing the forms. Individuals that might have the form completed for them would be made aware by the company they PAY to fill them out… even the places that complete and ‘loan’ the refund to the filer in advance. Her name and picture were prominently placed on the flyer printed on over sized stock paper. Is this an excuse to remind those she is attempting to get to vote for her in the next election on who she is? Is it campaigning at the taxpayer expense? It states in the smallest print on the flyer (of course) , “this mailing was prepared, published and mailed at taxpayer expense”. This epitomizes waste and is indicative of nothing else but self promotion.

Evan Bayh a well respected Democratic Senator has decided not to run for re-election. This is during a time when his party is in control of Congress and a Democratic President is in office. Why? These are excerpts of what he said.
“For some time, I have had a growing conviction that Congress is not operating as it should. There is too much partisanship and not enough progress -- too much narrow ideology and not enough practical problem-solving. Even at a time of enormous challenge, the peoples’ business is not being done.”
“Two weeks ago, the Senate voted down a bipartisan commission to deal with one of the greatest threats facing our nation: our exploding deficits and debt. The measure would have passed, but seven members who had endorsed the idea instead voted “no” for short-term political reasons.”
He recognizes that the efforts of one can not stop the corrupt political machine that exists in Washington. I personally wish he would run…and more like him would run. Instead we get self serving politicians who run the country for their personal gain, either financial or egotistical.

I will continue to vote for those that I think we’ll best serve the country as a whole. Not those that are only trying to be elected. Unfortunately, once in Washington even those with the ideals I counted on become tainted by the system and conform under the pressure of those that run the committees that control the actions in Congress. In the last Presidential election we were promised change. I was hopeful that meant change for the good. I’m still waiting.