Cafferty Commentary, "Washington is a sucker bet": Little difference between the two parties anymore

[DeepModem Mom]

CNN: Commentary: Washington is a sucker bet
By Jack Cafferty
(Jack Cafferty is a commentator for CNN's "The Situation Room." He's also the author of the new book "It's Getting Ugly out There.")

....I, too, sense a strong bias in favor of change. The problem is that whether a Democrat or Republican is our next president, and regardless of who controls the Congress, we are unlikely to get any meaningful change. And that's because there is very little discernable difference between the two parties anymore. Oh sure, they fuss at each other about abortion, gay marriage, flag burning -- all the wedge issues -- but if you look at the big picture, it's all pretty much the same. And it's not pretty.

Both major parties are consumed by the obsession of getting into power and holding onto it. Don't kid yourself: The No. 1 priority of any politician is being re-elected. Because if he's not re-elected, he's out of business. And that's where we get into the real similarities between Republicans and Democrats.

Because of the way we fund campaigns, lots of money is required. That money comes from big corporations and special interest groups that usually have an agenda at odds with the general welfare of Mr. and Mrs. Taxpaying American citizen. And once their guy is elected, well, it's payback time.

The immunity these people have crafted for themselves over time allows them freedom to pursue their own agendas at the expense of yours. No term limits, no independent ethics oversight, and campaign finance laws that invite corruption. What do they care if you don't like the way they run the country? There isn't a hell of a lot you can do about it. And they know it. And they take full advantage of it.

So don't kid yourself as we roll toward the next election, no matter how much change we think we're voting for, the odds are that you and I will continue to lose.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/18/Cafferty.Sept19/index.html

[Enrique]

1. that's his pose

fits right in with the cranky old man schtick.

[flpoljunkie]

2. Bet Jack doesn't support the remedy for his bitching: Public financing of their campaigns!

[Captain Hilts]

3. The parties ARE different. The system forces some behaviors. nt

[tridim]

4. Lou is a kinder, gentler racist Naderite.

I'm so sick of this broad brush crap.. There's a huge difference between Dems and Republics, I can't believe people still make that claim with a straight face.

[Bonobo]

5. I can't believe you don't get the underlying point!

Of course, it is a broad brush statement designed to convey a larger truth. Do you get it?

[tridim]

7. Are we all Dooooooooomed!!!?

[NoFederales]

6. Well, Jack, duh!, but aren't you afraid of CNN pulling your ticket?, Oh,

you were just musing....

NoFederales