"We simply have too much power," says Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz)

[kpete]

In Congress, 'we simply have too much power'
News analysis by Jim Drinkard, USA TODAY
Tue Jan 10, 7:06 AM ET


Today, Washington is roiled by new bribery and fraud scandals, and the amounts involved wouldn't come close to fitting into a coat pocket. Tens of millions of dollars, luxury travel and expensive gifts have been used to influence - and in at least one case, bribe - members of Congress.


The revelations are damaging faith in the federal government, triggering calls for tighter rules and prompting some to ask whether Congress is once again for sale.


"We simply have too much power," says Rep. Jeff Flake (news, bio, voting record), R-Ariz., speaking of lawmakers' ability to target tax dollars for particular projects, contractors or campaign donors. "We Republicans have abused that power badly over the past several years."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/incongresswesimplyhavetoomuchpower;_ylt=AurilK9yJvBr.bdvYdBFVp2yFz4D;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA--

[mike_c]

1. no shite....

eom :grr:

[hyphenate]

2. No shit, Sherlock

The pukes DO have way too much power.

[Botany]

3. No! Really?

"We Republicans have abused that power badly over the past several years."

Gee 7 years and 77 million $s for a B.J. an abuse? Please you were just
doing God's work.

I wonder if Flake is about to go down?

[firefox]

4. Yes, it exceeds the power the Constitution sought to limit.

When I read it I thought "No shit" too, followed in thought by "No shit Sherlock".

[AX10]

5. Really? You have TOO MUCH POWER?

:eyes:

[txindy]

6. Well, thank you, Rep. PointsOutTheObviousALot.

:eyes:

[Botany]

7. Rep. PointsOutTheObviousALot.

:rofl:

[cdsilv]

9. I think he shows courage for admitting it.....

...he should definitely stay off of small planes.

[txindy]

10. Yes - to both of your points

He didn't endear himself to the Cabal with those words, that's for certain.

[Amonester]

8. Huh-Ho... Wut's that?? ... Conscience??

Da Little Boyish Can't Find Any Sleep?? Huh??

http://icasualties.org/

I know I wouldn't... :grr:

[EVDebs]

11. Remember Steve Largent and his disgust over $ changing hands on Housefloor

That was how many years ago ? And R's did nothing then...nor NOW. We need to sweep the '06 elections and 'clean House'.

[nicknameless]

12. Too much power? That's not really the issue. It's who they're beholden to.

Congress has a lot of power, but no one to keep them in check.

They used to be servants of "The People".
That's long gone.

They don't rely on The People to put them in office. They rely on vote-stealing machines.

They don't need to run on a record of good works. They just need the reich-wing media to spin their image.

They don't need to campaign and get their message out. They just need massive infusions of corporate dollars for promotion.

If they're willing to do the bidding of corporations, they could enjoy a lengthy career in Congress.
If not, a corporate-approved shill will be run against them.

If they're too outspoken against the cabal... well it's probably a good idea to stay off of small planes.

The system has been thoroughly corrupted. Congress being beholden to Big Money/corporations; Corporate personhood; Money = free speech; Obscene amounts of money required to run a successful campaign (few exceptions).

It's a system of quid pro quo. Contributers place those willing to sell out into office in exchange for favorable legislation and an endless supply of taxpayer money.

I also believe that it's a system of blackmail. NSA spying can turn up dirt to keep those, who might resist compliance with things like torture and the overturning of the Constitution, in line.



... A little nostalgic note from a 40-something year old episode of The Andy Griffith Show: Andy wakes the Mayor up early on the weekend. The Mayor is angry and doesn't want to listen. All Andy had to say to change his mind was, "It's about a voter!" ... The Mayor hurried down to find out what was wrong.

Gone are the days. Remember what did * said: "Nobody cares what you think."