OUTSIDERS ARE INSIDE CONGRESS

Democracy plus money equals oligarchy. But don't worry, the lobbyists are only knee deep.

The Founding Fathers set up a political nation, so why should we expect a pristine scene? Of course politics runs things, and you know what controls the politics. Money, power and favors (which go right back to money.)

Senator Ted Kennedy repeats and repeats: "We have the best government money can buy." Too bad someone else doesn't say that. It would sound even truer.

Two hundred years ago, James Madison warned us: "Corporations are too close to congress." Decades later, William Jennings Bryan said, "You will not crucify this nation on a cross of gold." But they sure did. Even Ross Perot tried to tell us, with his calls for campaign finance reform. He said: "It's time to clean out the barn." Along with that was his: "Everyone has a crazy aunt in the attic." We are puzzled about how she ties in with money and politics, but Ross goes deep.

People didn't listen to any of the warnings about the seductive hazards of money in the process of government. So here we are. Contributions to politicians are virtual bribes. Many congressmen hire their wives and pay them from the contributions of corporations.

Woe is I. Bring on the monarchy. If the king is corrupt or lies to you or wastes the country's treasury, there is only one thing to do - and you do it.


IT'S ALL SO SIMPLE.