Our corrupt Congress

By Alex Hierl

We have nothing but to look at one another and shake our heads as we realize this grim prediction of Nietzsche's has emblazoned itself within the dark chapters of our government's history: "In all institutions from which the cold wind of open criticism is excluded, an innocent corruption begins to grow like a mushroomí -- for example, in senates and learned societies."

It's not so much that anyone would have ever denied this overtly pessimistic prophecy, but rather we have refused to desecrate the very principle that allows it to be true. But due to the utter absurdity of recent actions on the part of the United States Senate, there are few people that have any reservations against commencing the frigid storm of Congress's public humiliation.

Shocking, isn't it, the accusation of corruption? Such a blunt word that alludes to a deeper filth of the soul than a simply dishonest reputation. But what has been overlooked and even blatantly allowed from both individuals and entire committees that comprise our Congress deserves a term that denotes nothing less.

Just within the past couple of weeks, millions and millions of dollars have left the banks of some of this country's largest health insurance firms to ensure the prevention of Obama's health care reform; namely the prevention of public health care, lower health care premiums and more complete coverage. According to the British newspaper The Guardian, there is an estimated $380 million poured into lobbying, advertising and direct contributions to individuals in order to delay or even abolish the health care reform. What, you may ask, is the significance of this financial debauchery? Well, the answer lies in the action, or rather inaction, of the Obama administration. They have either removed or changed several of the strongest and most drastic terms in the reform.

What is regularly happening goes beyond the obvious purchase of votes and political influence; it extends to the daily personal lives of the people most crucial in maintaining our ideal concept of democracy. These individuals are selected by the people to represent our concrete necessities, whether we are blue collar, white collar or wear no collar at all. Instead there have been exclusive clubs and events, getaways and gatherings, established by the rich, for the rich, in order to ensure a contract for the expansion of their wealth. Give a little money here and make sure the money keeps on rolling in. It's not a hard concept to imagine, and evidently not that much harder to actualize, because we have people like Max Baucus and Anthony Seminerio all but auctioning off their support on issues ranging from health care to property rights.

What we are dealing with today should be no shock or surprise to anyone that is at all familiar with the Senate. This all vaguely brings to mind some old aphorism warning us of the dangers of the hunger for power and money. It's been just a year and a month since Jack Abramoff was sentenced to four years in prison for extorting Indian reservations and using part of the money for gifts to Congressional members and other executive decision makers.

Oh yeah, this was after he got an additional two years for that unrelated circle of corruption involving cruise ships in Florida or something. But that's neither here nor there.

So what's the price of our nation's dignity? Well, apparently it isn't cheap, but it's available. And it looks like it's no longer just a privilege of the Republicans -- as it had been for the greater part of this decade -- because as of late it looks like the Democrats have sustained their fair share of shady dealings. When will this internal decadence come to an end? I guess that question is more rhetorical than it is literal. The dishonest politician is a stereotype that we love to say but hate to see. I guess it will end when the blood ceases to flow, when the banks are dry, and when the lenders give up and turn home. Until then the best we can do is shut our windows tight and brave the storm.

Alex Hierl is a sophomore English major.