Thread: Newt Gingrich

Here in the U.S historically primaries were really forgotten about however now special interest groups have discovered them and with the realization general interest is low and voter turnout is even lower these group can literally seize control of the process and control who makes it to the election. It's one of the reasons veteran politicians fear these groups and pander to them.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Here in the U.S historically primaries were really forgotten about however now special interest groups have discovered them and with the realization general interest is low and voter turnout is even lower these group can literally seize control of the process and control who makes it to the election. It's one of the reasons veteran politicians fear these groups and pander to them.

Yes. Remember that Obama garnered a lot of support by making vows of "transparency" and "changing the way Washington works" with respect to lobbyists and such. Snore.

I'm not knocking Obama personally for this failure (though I have my issues with him), I'm just saying that even the best intentions seem to hit the Washington machine like water off a boulder. There's an awful lot of inertia in the way things are done now, and despite the fact that the American people think it sucks, once these guys get "in" they seem to develop a strange case of amnesia in the face of dollar signs.

Originally Posted by Jimbo7

even the best intentions seem to hit the Washington machine like water off a boulder. There's an awful lot of inertia in the way things are done now, and despite the fact that the American people think it sucks, once these guys get "in" they seem to develop a strange case of amnesia in the face of dollar signs.

I neither like this post nor thank you for posting it, but I do agree with it. We need, as the other SRP Jimbo once called it, a grudging acceptance button

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

I neither like this post nor thank you for posting it, but I do agree with it. We need, as the other SRP Jimbo once called it, a grudging acceptance button

Thanks! I like this!

Originally Posted by Jimbo7

Thanks! I like this!

clever ....

Originally Posted by Jimbo7

Yes. Remember that Obama garnered a lot of support by making vows of "transparency" and "changing the way Washington works" with respect to lobbyists and such. Snore.

I'm not knocking Obama personally for this failure (though I have my issues with him), I'm just saying that even the best intentions seem to hit the Washington machine like water off a boulder. There's an awful lot of inertia in the way things are done now, and despite the fact that the American people think it sucks, once these guys get "in" they seem to develop a strange case of amnesia in the face of dollar signs.

I think Obama was so occupied with getting elected that once he got there, he had no clue what to do.
This is human, and one of the reason many people drop out of martial arts after getting their black belt they focused so hard on it that they feel lost, once they get there. In our organization it is called 'shodan syndrome'.

I am wondering about the dollar signs though.
IIRC, a president does not really earn that much, and I don't see too much room for blatantly enriching themselves.

Originally Posted by Bruno

I am wondering about the dollar signs though.
IIRC, a president does not really earn that much, and I don't see too much room for blatantly enriching themselves.

They do ok, at least by my standards. But then there's life after the presidency to think about. Making people happy along the way helps you out in your retirement. Sort of like an extra presidential pension.

I'll admit that it's not the dollar signs, specifically...or at least solely. Especially with respect to our senators. The money's nice, but its the power they crave. More and more of it.

Most of them, since Eisenhower anyhow, are rich when they get in there. The guy who is governor of Florida spent millions of his own money to get the job ..... as did Bloomberg in NYC. Perhaps it is a thirst for power, fame, immortality via the history books ? Bill Clinton certainly got rich as a result of being president. The Lincoln bedroom was like a suite at the Holiday Inn IIRC. His speaking engagements since his time in office have certainly added to the coffers.

Years ago a friend of mine became business agent for the ironworkers union we belonged to. He and I had often complained of policies of previous biz agents. He told me that once in office he couldn't believe the perks.... outright bribes the contractors offered for special favors and consideration. I joke that whoever runs for president should be disqualified because they have to be insane. There may be an element of truth to it. If not insane, egomaniacs.

Too bad it isn't constitutionally possible, but I bet that if Ahnold ran, he'd win . At least, he would have before his illegitimate child came to light. I can about picture him with his fingers on the big red button. Or perhaps color commenting one of those surgical strikes. Hasta la vista, baby!

The govenator would never win. He left office less popular than his predecessor, who was recalled.