48 Responses to:
POLITICIANS SUCK

# 1. 7/20/10 12:26 AM by DaWiz - San Antonio, Texas
Bob, How about this?

1. Lifetime ban on former members of Congress from working as a lobbyist or legislative consultant.

2. No monetary or 'in-kind' donations from ANY company, corporation, PAC, Union or any other organized group.

3. Donations only to candidates you can legally vote for; From the specific district for members of the House, From the specific state for members of the Senate. No donations from outside these areas.

4. Any excess funds from election accounts must be donated to a 'Nationally Recognized Non-Profit Charity. Thereby preventing the building of a 'war chest' for the next election. Any member of Congress with unpaid election expenses may NOT run for re-election.

# 2. 7/20/10 1:11 AM by ex-pansy
It's the same old "whatever goes around, comes around"; only the thing that keeps going around is our money. And every time we watch our own money pass "GO", they want another $200 from us...

But it won't stop there.

You just kind of know that, in the end, the people responsible for stuff like this hit twice as many potholes with their cars as we do. Or their mailboxes get schmooshed by twice as many snowplows. Or their socks sprout twice as many holes, Or their babies wake up cranky twice as much in the middle of the night. Or their kids get twice as many cavities.

Money's the ONLY thing they have.

Nobody hears about the results of the irritating little curses people put on themselves when they rip other people off. But they're there> And they accumulate. I just know it. The same rain falls on everybody in this fallen world, and no one's gonna get away with anything.

It's just how things work.

# 3. 7/20/10 4:48 AM by Bob - Clarendon, NY
The best lobbyists for any particular community are the voters. Unfortunately, too many of us fail to exercise our right to vote, and many of us that do, do so uninformed.

Voting strictly along party lines is one way in which we add to the problem. Another, more prolific problem is the attitude that politicians suck, but "my guy" is doing an OK job. I believe this is the main reason incumbents are continually reelected and nothing ever changes.

# 4. 7/20/10 5:37 AM
Politicians suck - DUH

# 5. 7/20/10 6:34 AM
While I agree that the concept of governments lobbying is wrong -- and certain wish it wouldn't happen -- I can also see that without it, the cronyism of big cities will win over the small or outlier governments.

I would rather attack lobbyists in general. They should not be allowed to privately meet with politicians, to wine and dine them. Let them meet -- but in designated spots in public where the politicians must speak openly. Perhaps they have to be watched on c-span, or in a town hall meeting setting, so we get to see exactly what is being promised.

It wouldn't be so bad if legislature members were required to be part time, and hold full time jobs.

# 6. 7/20/10 6:43 AM by Brian
It won’t ever be, of course, because that would require the cooperation of the politicians. It would require them to put your interests above theirs, and that will never happen.

In the immortal words of Jamie Hyneman, "Well there's yer problem." That whole "public servant" concept is what's missing from all levels of government; most people in office today are self-serving.

Unless and until that changes, We the People will be screwed.

# 7. 7/20/10 6:50 AM
Regardless of party that is, Mitch McConnell was on CNN the other day and all he said was that the Republicans are in a better position for November and he spoke about the deficit, spending, and all that bull !*&!@, you know. This guy has been in Washington for decades and quite honestly, this is the problem. Term limits should be restricted to three (3) year terms, so we don't adopt ideologies that have made this country vulnerable. We all will eventually face our creator.

# 8. 7/20/10 6:53 AM by OldVietVet - Rochester, NY
Yea! Our politically deserving aristocrat, Sec.of State Hillary, has just announced a 500 million handout to Pakistan! Who advances these ideas, and makes such decisions, involving vast sums of taxpayers money-paying off nations that would like nothing better than to see us dead? Only when we voters demand and receive an across the board downsizing of all the Govts. agencies, with the total elimination of some, and legislation imposing term limits and pay cuts for Congress and all Fed.employees, will we get any kind of control over our Government.That should be the thrust of the Tea Party candidates.Anything less, and we will have nothing more than the usual country club Republican mantra merry-go-round notion that tax cuts will solve all.Get rid of the lobbyists by removing the Govt. apparatus that creates them.

# 9. 7/20/10 7:28 AM
So if you think all of this politicking stuff sucks why don't you do something about it. Start some sort of movement against it. Maybe like "People are Better than Politics" or something with more alliteration like "Pick People and Phuck Politics"

# 10. 7/20/10 7:33 AM by Joey B - DC
You don't get it, Bob.

If you read the latest Financial Reform Bill, you would have noticed that there are several large gaps in it. These gaps will be filled with regulations that benefit the right groups. Many lobbyists will work to fill those gaps with benefits for their clients.

This is how WE create or save jobs. Every page of legislation creates 8.6 jobs for lobbyists.

You just hate America and want people on the nice side of Country Club Lane to starve.

# 11. 7/20/10 7:37 AM by Rick G. - Spencerport, NY
It’s clear when lobbyists have affected the outcome of the law when the law makes absolutely no common sense. Any law around agriculture comes to mind. For example: We should be selling wine in grocery stores just like beer. What’s the difference? Why is NY the immature state that can’t handle this? Lobbyists. Every politician who has a hand in these backasswards laws should be run out on a rail.

# 12. 7/20/10 7:47 AM by jaymor
Theoretically, government confiscates our dollars in the form of taxes, Then, in its infinite wisdom, it redistributes the wealth in a manner that will benefit the electorate as a whole. Along the way, of course, a few bucks will be siphoned off due to inefficiency and patronage. Seems fair.

# 13. 7/20/10 7:51 AM
But it's okay for private interest groups to lobby all they want to is what I think you are saying. Just no public service groups allowed to lobby.

# 14. 7/20/10 8:03 AM by Beth - Canandaigua, NY
Yes politicians suck. Agreed.

However, those who suck more are those who go to the voting booth and vote on how a candidate looks or becauses he/she had more free press coverage.

Politicians suck, yes agreed. But those who suck more are those like the people of Mass. who voted Ted Kennedy in again and again aud infinitum.

Politicians suck, yup. Maybe instead of blaming politicians for being who they are, maybe the blame goes on our fellow citizens who do not study civics and history and couldn't cast an informed vote if it bit them on the behind.

# 15. 7/20/10 8:05 AM by Dave - Rochester
The bigger scam is when they figure that they wouldn't get any grants without the lobbiest

# 16. 7/20/10 8:14 AM by Ryan H. - Victor, NY
I heard you talk about this yesterday. So government taxes us, government takes tax dollars and give it to some schmuck, some schmuck goes to a different level of government to get money.

Isn't this why we have multiple levels of government? Shouldn't it work more like.

1. Monroe County needs money from the feds for the new dumb mega-project. 2. Maggie Brooks contacts both state senators and the congress people whose districts include Monroe county. Those people then DO THEIR JOBS and attempt to acquire the funds. 3. Some schmuck in Pittsford gets a real job.

# 17. 7/20/10 8:28 AM by Tony P
Hey Bob-

It's the "Golden Rule" Bob. Those with the gold make the rules.

Now, shut up and pay yer taxes like a good little subject. All the pigs gotta eat, don't they????

Tony

# 18. 7/20/10 8:50 AM by eh Rod - CANADA`
But isn't lobbying how corporate America manages to run your country? Rush tells us every day (when he's not off getting married again) that corporations (what he calls "free enterprise") can do no wrong. Now I don't know which right winger to believe; or would you perhaps advocate different laws for "business"?

# 19. 7/20/10 8:55 AM by alexander - upstate ny usa
I remember a high profile politician's intern that sucked.

boy, those were the days... if I could turn back time, I'd prefer more of that in the whitehouse...

Editor's Note: please, hillary, run. just in case mitt doesn't win in 2012, we need a democrat fallback who's not a traitor.

# 20. 7/20/10 9:18 AM
Could it be the politician is acting in the interest of the people and the people suck as well?

According to author Durham W. Ellis, this is what historian Alexander Tyler said about the fall of the Athenian Republic: “A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves money from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most money from the public treasury, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy ….”

That succinctly sums up why America’s financial condition is deteriorating so quickly.

# 21. 7/20/10 9:19 AM by Mark
They take money out of my left pocket to pay (the lobbyist) then get more money out of my right pocket (state and federal taxes) and then boast about it.

# 22. 7/20/10 9:21 AM by Mark
They used to call it corruption, now we call it stimulus.

# 23. 7/20/10 9:29 AM
NOW THE SCARY REST OF THE QUOTE

........for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, ALWAYS FOLLOWED BY A DICTATORSHIP. THE AVERAGE AGE OF THE WORLD"S GREATEST CIVILATIONS HAS BEEN 200 YEARS.

GREAT NATIONS RISE AND FALL. THE PEOPLE GO FROM BONDAGE TO SPIRITUAL TRUTH, TO GREAT COURAGE, FROM COURAGE TO LIBERTY, FROM LIBERTY TO ABUNDANCE, FROM ABUNDANCE TO SELFISHNESS, FROM SELFISHNESS TO COMPLACENCY, From COMPLACENCY TO APATHY, FROM APATHY TO DEPENDENCE, FROM DEPENDENCE BACK AGAIN TO BONDAGE

# 24. 7/20/10 9:55 AM by Jolene
We all suck at times.

# 25. 7/20/10 10:07 AM by rochester escapee
Apparently, taxation WITH representation isn't such a good idea either.

# 26. 7/20/10 10:07 AM by Renee - Provo, Utah
How very enlightening! Where is King Benjamin when you need him? Have you applied for a job at KSL to fill the gap left by Sean Hannity this fall? They need a conservative voice and you have a built-in fan base!

Editor's Note: i would, of course, consider it an honor to work at ksl.

# 27. 7/20/10 10:11 AM
If their weren't politicians who suck like Edward what would we talk about?

# 28. 7/20/10 10:17 AM by Jolene
Do you happen to have any new information on Glenn Becks eye problems? Very sad.

# 29. 7/20/10 10:19 AM by Rick
4.86 percent of your poll respondents are either lobbyists or representatives of local government entities.

# 30. 7/20/10 10:27 AM by Barb - Hornell
I used to think the "L" word was a dirty word until I met a lobbyist who represented Christian interests in Washington. Most Christians are hardworking people, busy working for a living. They can't walk around the halls of our Capitol all day meeting with those people who can make sure the freedoms our country was founded on were being considered. Like politicians, there are way too many lobbyists, but this one was an honorable, dedicated man..

# 31. 7/20/10 10:40 AM by Mark
I need to meet up with Jolene, #24!!

# 32. 7/20/10 11:54 AM by Brad - Piffard, ny
To #18 Dor he, her Do, do her or whatever. It's obvious you, once again, have been sniffing way to much moose crap up there in the great white north. How sad that you try to glom onto something great in america (A. Rod) and then proceed to rip our country. Did you study at the same mosque as imam obama? You should get down on your knees and thank the good Lord you are fortunate enough to live on the same continent as us. (thanks NAFTA). You should spend more time trying to save the polar bears. As a matter of fact, you should go find the nearest polar bear and let him eat you for lunch! At least that way the poor thing won't starve before all the ice melts. P.S. You guys make great syrup. You should work on that before the illegal immigrants invade your country and take all your countrys low paying jobs.

# 33. 7/20/10 12:13 PM by Rich R.
Make campaign "war-chests" taxable income! If you have access to millions, you should have to declare it on your 1040!

Editor's Note: great idea

# 34. 7/20/10 12:52 PM by Phillip
And the worst, the worst I tell you, are the politicians who quit before their terms are up to take jobs on TV.

These are the ones we should shun.

# 35. 7/20/10 1:35 PM
"POLITICIANS SUCK"

Not exactly a breaking news headline there Bob, is it?

# 36. 7/20/10 1:36 PM
I did not know this.

And like you, I thought that's what our locally elected officials were supposed to be doing.

Figures.

# 37. 7/20/10 1:40 PM
reason obama won? = #1 - he wanted it more. #2 - he got more voters to vote. #3 - too many republicans too lazy and too woosy to vote.

# 38. 7/20/10 1:45 PM
#31: Best comment I've seen in quite a while.

# 39. 7/20/10 3:06 PM by Masked Marvel - Parts Unknown

Lobbying should be outlawed ...

# 40. 7/20/10 3:17 PM by Rob Staples - Henrico, VA
No wonder our country is in the shape it's in. The system is not working. Until the Amecican people put a stop to the system, it will continue. Time to wake up America!

# 41. 7/20/10 3:21 PM by Michael
Just remember folks, it was the Democratic party who worked hard for you to get the un-employment benefits re-instated that the Republicans pushed so hard to block. Who are you trusting in November? Someone thinking of your well being, or someone who has told you that tax cuts for the rich are importand but your un-employment benefits aren't?

Editor's Note: yeah, that's the lie emperor obama told the other day. the republicans and democrats alike wanted to extend the benefits -- but the republicans wanted to specify where the money came from. republicans wanted to cut other spending, obama and the democrats just wanted to borrow it. they won, and the deficit and debt get bigger.

# 42. 7/20/10 4:05 PM by Calvin Pitzrick - Rochester,NY
Bob, another great column! Some politicians suck more than others! Supporting the mosque at Ground 0 in New York are liberals Sen. Schumer and liberal Mayor Bloomberg, who spent 1/4 trillion dollars of own money on becoming Mayor! Other liberals supporting the mosque are Councilman Robert Jackson, Councilwoman Margaret Chin, State Sen. Daniel Squadron, City Comptroller John Liu and Borough President Scott Stringer while denouncing the anti-Muslim comments of Tea Party Leader Mark Williams. The politicians were responding to Williams’ in which he said muslims worshipped a “monkey god.” So Williams lost his job as head of the tea party over this!

Did any of these liberals realize that this largest mosque could be the underground headquarters for the destruction of America?! Liberal Obama seems to have capitulated too, to the muslems! The only reason I can think of for a mosque in NYC at ground 0, is that the muslems won`t try to destroy NYC with WMD`s!

# 43. 7/20/10 9:23 PM
I love your columns even though they make me sad. I love your integrity. You would make a good leader in this once great country. I am so glad that you are continuing your comments and wish you the best.

# 44. 7/20/10 10:44 PM by Che Guevarra - Spiral Jetty
Soon they shall feel the sting if Pitchforks!

# 45. 7/21/10 12:48 AM by Pete
Bob,

Anyone that does not agree with the title that "Politicians Suck" are either, Politicians, relatives of Politicians, work for Politicians, get hand outs from politicians, are Union Workers or are simply idiots who have no clue and are led by their noses.......

I have said this before;

Health-Care, we, small businesses, families, singles pay a very high price as common folk. YET, Nancy Pelosi and her cronies, like the Clintons as well as the Albany politicians and Big Mouth Chuck Schumer get all their health-care for free, for all their lives!

People do some research on this you will be astonished as to how much these Rich politicians burden the health-care system with their "FREE STUFF", THAT WE PAY FOR WITH OUR TAXES............

Tell me, how do politicians, like Pelosi, the Obama's, the Clintons who make millions in "OTHER BUSINESS" outside of their government salaries or perks YET are allowed to continue to soak millions from the health-care system, (that we are taxed for) while we pay $500.00 per month plus, per person in small business or as an individual OR we go without Health-Care.........

Nancy Pelosi, Clintons, Obama's, Schumers, can afford their own Health-Care without taking our tax dollars.

This would reduce the Health-Care costs substantially for YOU idiots who continue to elect them.

"POLITICIANS SUCK"

They suck your money from your family!

NO DOUBT..........Wake UP.........

# 46. 7/21/10 8:32 AM by Dave - NY
I hear this all the time. As a politician myself, I wish people would not over-generalize. Some of us do this at a local level and it's not for personal enrichment. It's at least founded in civic-mindedness. Many people (not just politicians) get sucked into the entitlement machine, and it's that machine that needs to be tuned up. People are people and they are vulnerable to temptation.

Editor's Note: no, some do it at the local level for reasons of ego.

# 47. 7/21/10 9:57 AM by Michael
Editor's Note: yeah, that's the lie emperor obama told the other day. the republicans and democrats alike wanted to extend the benefits -- but the republicans wanted to specify where the money came from. republicans wanted to cut other spending, obama and the democrats just wanted to borrow it. they won, and the deficit and debt get bigger.

Then the logical thing to do was for the republicans to come up with a plan as to how to fund it. What to cut, boys?

The (Tea) party of "No" has been shown in its true colors. They are the party for the rich white men of America.

Editor's Note: there are some 300 billion dollars of already borrowed, unspent stimulus money. how about using some of that, imam?

# 48. 7/27/10 12:12 PM by Arthur
"Money is the mother's milk of politics." Bob, as long as we have the same election/governmental/campaigning/economic system in place, it will continue to attract the same sort of pond scum, bottom-feeding, lying, forked and WAGGING-tongued LIARS we have seen for DECADES! Isn't it time we tried something different or at least differently?

One-year terms. The People VOTE for the various cabinet positions. Much more public access and participation in decision-making processes-i.e., holding city council and other meetings of public interest in places and at times such that people can actually attend and weigh in on the matters of public import! Just a few places to start, but we need to start somewhere!

Voting people in and out of office is so simpleton.

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