Founded as a Democratic Republic, America has devolved into a country controlled by a Congress and Senate that has no interest in their constituents. Their only concern is themselves; increasing their power and wealth. Our founding fathers feared an increase in political power. A few quotes by Thomas Jefferson.
"I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of our country."
"Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories."
"Experience demands that man is the only animal which devours his own kind, for I can apply no milder term to the general prey of the rich on the poor."
We, the citizens of the United States are governed by rich men and women. And they take care of their own at the expense of the vast majority of the voting public. Seventy percent of those we elect leave public office to accept the employ of lobbies, or other more lucrative institutions. Some leave in mid-term. Political office has merely become a stepping stone to wealth and power for far too many of those we elect.
Every political candidate will claim that he or she seeks public office to 'serve the people.' That's the first lie they tell us. After telling the first falsehood, the rest come easy.
If you believe in or are a member of either major political party, you have chosen to accept these falsehoods as fact. There is no difference between the two. You will hear them argue opposite sides of issues, but the truth is that winning elections is their only goal.
If you believe that a multi-term elected official is a good thing, you are completely wrong. "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Without term limits the United States has allowed a large number of politicos to amass power and money beyond the intent of our founding fathers.
So, yes, I believe our country is a 'Kleptocracy.' Our government is dominated by thieves and thugs.
Politics by its very nature is destructive. I choose to eliminate myself from either party. I will no longer vote for the 'lesser of two evils.'
James Turnage
Op-ed
