Dan: My point regarding representative democracy was simply this: Money = Access. Whether its the bank bailout or health care “reform”, those who are granted the most access have the most money.
Given that it costs millions upon millions of dollars to run for office these days, politicians have become more and more beholden to those that can afford to pony up the money. While I understand your point about campaign contributions and limitations, the fact is that legislation like McCain – Feingold can fairly easily be skirted.
As far as this health care bill goes: It is a mess. Its a cumbersome piece of legislation and one that was rushed, without a lot of intelligent debate. There has been considerable horse trading behind the scenes and while I agree that politics is the “art of the possible” and compromise is necessary, that has become political cover for allowing special interest, industry groups and lobbyists to put their mark on legislation without the pesky issue of debate or review.
The MSM, which, once upon a time, had investigative journalists and diligently reported the news, is completely AWOL. Apparently, Tiger Woods and his various dalliances are more important than helping develop a meaningful dialogue and discussion on this issue (or any other issues, for that matter).
Our politicians don’t answer to us anymore and the “will of the people” is a hollow concept. I agree with Ricechex when she says that this is simply another boondoogle and that ties into Arraya’s point about the kleptocratic nature of Big Government when it fully aligns with Big Business.
The actions of government as of late are either confiscatory (in terms of wealth redistribution), intrusive (Patriot I and II) or illegal (takeovers, bailouts or foreign wars that DON’T protect the well being or interest of US citizens).
Didn’t we already go to war over this shit before (American Revolution)?
And, no, I’m not the political theorist I mentioned. I might have my self-aggrandizing moments, but I’m not that bad!
