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Most of these posts basically come down to finding ways of reducing corruption in our political system, and I think that they're kind of missing the forest for the trees. The US has systematized and legalized bribery as a key part of the system, and term limits and salary caps aren't effective end-runs around that. It was extant prior to Citizen United, and it is certainly part and parcel of American government now. Bribery exists on every level of the system, whether you're talking about campaign donations, material inducements, tit-for-tat deals, or straight-up job offers. The ability for the wealthy to use money to influence policy makes good government impossible. We spend millions influencing our politicians and our voters, and billions more carrying out the promises that are made in the process. If I were to change something about the United States, I'd start by coming up with effective laws and penalties that would sever the close relationship between money and politics. Considering how completely corrupted the American system is, that would probably involve some fundamental changes to American democracy.gently caress the ROW posted:If I could do just one thing to better the world it would be to ban all the Americans who posted in here from ever voting or holding public office, and try several of them for anti-democratic treason. Well fortunately for everyone you can start with yourself. Kaal fucked around with this message at 00:41 on May 2, 2014 |
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May 2, 2014 00:39
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| # ¿ May 10, 2024 15:46 |
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Also perfectly legal is that Boeing can give those politicians a bunch of campaign contributions, host an all-expenses paid lobbyist conference for the politicians in the Bahamas, explain to them how they can make lots of money by supporting Boeing, and offer their kid a job as a Boeing consultant. And that's all gravy for Boeing, because the inevitable contract is 50x larger than the sum total of all their political spending.
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May 2, 2014 07:33
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