The Backdoor Ruse of Politics

Bribes are defined as money or favor given or promised in order to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of trust. If we apply this term, bribe, to politicians we could find many which are not making decisions with the countries best interest at heart as much as their own gain. Who gets bribes? Well, many politicians receive bribes in many unique and ingenious ways. What are these bribes? Anything from sports tickets to gaining election favor and donations from groups, etc. In the year 2010 companies, industry trade groups, labor unions, universities and municipalities spent over $3.6 billion lobbying for their causes in Washington D.C.

What is it that fuels this corruption? Humans have always had a taste for power and tyranny. The temptation of having a helping hand along the way instead of being elected based on their own merits is a sad sight. It is almost like steroids in baseball, which was investigated by the same politicians that were in bed with lobbyists which helped them get elected. The double standard that many politicians demonstrate is repulsive and it amazes me that they are reelected. Sometimes the thought comes to mind that America is so out of touch with its country and that is why these things are not pursued. Morals are second nature in today’s society and this contributes to these practices.

Do you want our countries legislation and direction to be influenced by a few lobbyists or by the voice of the people? That is the path we are on at the current time. When we have politicians who stump for oil company tax breaks and receive massive amounts of election contributions, America must say no. We have politicians who raise issue with energy legislation, yet receive lobbying favor from the energy industry. Politicians are like religious figures and should be held to the same high moral standards, and this countries people have done a horrible job of holding politicians feet to the fire. Politicians continue to receive such favor and money in our current time of economic struggle, which is a slap in the face to the people of the United Stated of America.

The concept of lobbying is a very basic, yet is looked at and contorted into something confusing. Someone offers a positive recommendation in return for a life changing event. This event could be money, gifts, re-election campaign contributions, etc. When looked at in this basic context it is easy to see the evil that exist in this practice. The morals of this country were not founded upon such vile and despicable actions. Government officials should not run for office for monetary gain, but for crafting a path for America to prosper, excel and lead. When the benefit of one outweighs the voice of many, the people must petition for a stop of such practices.