I need to vent!

On Sunday, '60 Minutes' revealed to the public (you and me) that Congress is exempt from the insider trading laws that apply to other Americans who use non-public information to enrich themselves in the stock market.

Silly me! Here I thought insider trading was against the law and would land a person in the Gray Bar Motel.

Then, I felt a slow burn start as I read an article in Wednesday's Olympian. It stated that 47% of Congressmen and women are millionaires. Compare that number to us normal folk where only 1% can claim that distinction.



I have great admiration for capitalists who become millionaires because of putting wheels to their lofty dreams (combined with plenty of sweat equity).

To use one's position of power, by manipulation or otherwise, to grow one's financial coffers is vile and shameful.

Both capitalism and politics have veered way off course. Once upon a time, they were balanced upon an ethical foundation. This foundation is now riddled with corruption and greed.

How can it be that the top officials in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (mortgage firms under government conservator ship) received over $12 million in combined 'performance' bonuses last year, all the while my neighbor, who tried to get federal mortgage assistance, lost his home to foreclosure?

Our partisan politicians spend time pointing fingers, blaming the inadequacies of the other party, rather than creating new policies that would benefit the health and economic growth of our great nation. Lack of transparency in government combined with no term limits and a heavy dose of huge corporate contributions thrown into the mix make the role of our legislators ineffective.

While in office, Brian Baird, a representative from Washington state, tried to get a bill passed which he called The STOCK Act, an acronym for "Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge." If enacted, the bill would prevent members of Congress and their staffs from using information not available to the public to guide them in making or selling investments. At the time, Brian could only get six other house members to sign on as co-sponsors.

Since '60 Minutes' aired this little piece of dirty laundry, the bill has gained momentum and more legislators have signed on. Apparently, transparency in government does works....

Although the Occupy Wall Street movement lacks a cohesive mission statement, its participants portray the frustration and unrest felt by so many in this country. Hopefully, our lawmakers are taking notice. If not, Occupy Congress may be next.
I feel a sense of hopelessness as I contemplate our future political arena. Men and women who enter politics because of a true desire to serve and better our country quickly become corrupted by power and money. It makes me wonder why I even bother to vote......