Name: Anonymous 2008-03-15 3:21
It is quite apparent that corruption is far to common in our democracy (really more of a republic here in the USA). For some reason people have just gone along with it because "that's just the way things are," or "it's better than X,Y, and Z." Well this shit is not OK. Corruption in government leads to nothing but AIDs and fail. I think this should really be addressed much more seriously than it has been thus far. Especially when we have a system that attracts all the wrong kinds of people to run for office.
Now, generally speaking, there are two sources for corruption; money and power. Power of course is part of public office, and there are checks and balances that work most of the time. But what about money? Most of the bullshit that happens in Washington is the result of some asshole trying to fatten his wallet, or trying to help out business contacts and special interests.
I think a lot of problems related to corruption could be overcome by making it illegal for anyone in public office to earn ANY income or wealth outside of their elected/appointed position. Public servants should receive money only for the jobs they were specifically entrusted to. With jobs of such importance they should be consumed with only that job and nothing else.
There would be absolutely no incentive for congressmen/senators/judges to make a decision that would be profitable for themselves or their business interests. The only money they would ever see while in office (and for several years after) would be their paycheck. And taking in any other form of income would be considered treasonous, and punishable with a minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Removing ridiculous amounts of profit from public office would also help to attract better people to run for office. The greediest of fucks would look for work elsewhere, making it easier for people who are actually concerned with making the country better.
Now, generally speaking, there are two sources for corruption; money and power. Power of course is part of public office, and there are checks and balances that work most of the time. But what about money? Most of the bullshit that happens in Washington is the result of some asshole trying to fatten his wallet, or trying to help out business contacts and special interests.
I think a lot of problems related to corruption could be overcome by making it illegal for anyone in public office to earn ANY income or wealth outside of their elected/appointed position. Public servants should receive money only for the jobs they were specifically entrusted to. With jobs of such importance they should be consumed with only that job and nothing else.
There would be absolutely no incentive for congressmen/senators/judges to make a decision that would be profitable for themselves or their business interests. The only money they would ever see while in office (and for several years after) would be their paycheck. And taking in any other form of income would be considered treasonous, and punishable with a minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Removing ridiculous amounts of profit from public office would also help to attract better people to run for office. The greediest of fucks would look for work elsewhere, making it easier for people who are actually concerned with making the country better.