Politics as usual

I like the renewable energy tax credits in the rescue (aka bailout) package passed by Congress but their inclusion in this bill makes me cringe and die a little bit. They are worthwhile but completely irrelevant to the bill (the "Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008"). The structure and actions of the government have become inimical to the ideas of our nation's founding principles.

Our nation was founded on the ideas of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" (property was a controversial term in the late 18th century). We were supposed to be a Republic. We elected our representatives directly and they tended to the business on our behalf. This system broke down over time.

Under 14th Amendment rulings, the corporation received personhood without the campaign contribution limits applicable to living beings (U.S. citizens). Their 1st Amendment rights to 'free speech' are greater than mine and they rule the Congress. They also have greater resources (at least most do) to pursue their prosperity through legislative mandate than I do.

It pervades every Congressional discussion. The original rescue bill failed to pass but once it was made amenable to our elected representatives through give-aways, ($150 billion of them) it passed. It's enough to make me cynical.