[larrymcg421]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Kickbacks aren't that important because they aren't that much money? I think earmarks represent a massive problem in how our politicians act. Much rather have the executive branch decide what is good for the country as a whole, rather than the most senior legislatures getting kickbacks for their districts to help them get re-elected.

I mean really, for people who call politicians dishonest and only looking out for themselves, if you don't think earmarks are that big of a deal, I don't want to hear that from you.

But don't they also represent a big problem in how we (the voters) act? I mean, you're kidding yourself if you don't think the politician that brings home the bacon doesn't have a major edge on that politican who refuses everything for their district.

It's the same thing with negative political ads. If you poll people about whether they like them or not, the number if certainly going to be very high against. But the politician that tries to take the high road will get eaten alive.

It's going to be hard to hold politicans accountable unless we change our own behavior as well.