Corruption in Government

Greed and corruption are human nature. Most everyone does it at some level or another, from the office worker who constantly comes to work late, takes long lunches, goes home early, or does doctor visits and dental appointments without using sick leave. In general, this is overlooked by employers if the work gets done.

When the work does not get done and corruption soars to unacceptable levels, people get angry. There was a time, just a few years back, when there was some pride in hiding you corrupt practices in government, but not today. It is open and rampant without shame.

Our elected official's duty is to serve the people they represent. When they look at public office as a way to get rich and give their constituents lip service, and do not improve the state of the nation, their home state, or local districts, they are not serving the people or the country. Elected officials should not have any privileges that are not associated conducting their official duties, that the average citizen does not have access to. Examples are:

1. Insider trading

2. Privileges for family members or family business interests doing business with the government

3. Royalties on government patents

4. Immunities from libel or slander

5. Immunity from prosecution for criminal acts

6. Etc.

Ways to keep corruption in public office from growing to unacceptable depths are:

1. Term limits - suggest 3 for House of Representatives and 2 for Senate (reduce terms to 4 years)

2. Eliminate the nuclear option

3. Always have one candidate from each party on the ballot

4. If your elected officials did not improve the nation, national security, infrastructure, or standard of living in your district or state, vote for someone different in the next election cycle

Your thoughts are welcome