VanC said:
Give it up, Sandy. Everyone knows that Bush, Cheney, Foreclosure Phil, and every other Republican that ever walked the face of the earth are solely responsible for the mess we're in. Not only that, if we would just see the light and sign over our ignorant, pitiful souls to the Obama administration, they will take care of us, and soon we will be happy as clams. I know. I read it here on this very forum many, many times. It must be true.
In the case of the Grain Inspection Packers and Stockyards Administration, it was the Sec. of Agriculture that allowed the agency to not be functional and hence the deregulation of that industry through inaction. There were people on both sides of the aisle that allowed this to happen as I am sure it is the case in all these industries and senators and congressmen that are supposed to oversee them. The executive branch deserves the blame for the inaction of the bureaucracy that they are supposed to manage and the congressmen who are supposed to oversee those industries but allow them to remain silent.
I would blame the executive branch first and then the committee chairmen next along with his party that he leads in the committee, and then, with specific knowledge, other members of the oversight committees and then the parties themselves.
There is no problem that 536 people that comprise the Congress and the executive branch can not or should not be able to fix. They are responsible for the running of our government and we need to hold them accountable for it, no matter if they put a d or an r in front of their name.
Businesses can buy off any of these people and do, to keep from getting regulated.
If you see money going to politicians, it is buying something, especially when it comes from industries that they regulate. Businesses try to maximize profits, even if it comes at the expense of everyone else, which is what insufficient regulation or bought off politicians allows. Donations or lobbying is the grease that allows it to happen.
Both parties are guilty but I think following the money and holding them responsible in that order is the right way to think about it. Executive first, in power legislative committees and chairmen, and then specific members and then Congress as a whole.
Tex