by Ryan Moody

Created on: December 30, 2009   Last Updated: December 31, 2009

I am not always eloquent, but I am angry, frustrated, and apalled by what is happening in Washington, and I unequivacally love my country, and I thank God daily that I was fortunate enough to be born here. That said, many great societies have collapsed under the weight of the selfishness of those in positions of authority. 

To paraphrase the thoughts of a founding father, this Republic can only last until the people realize that they can vote themselves money. This holds true for our government officials which never let an opportunity pass to increase their already outrageous wages. 

While the right hand celebrates that each member only receives a small raise, the left hand is voting every congress person $100,000.00 of our hard earned tax money as petty cash. 

A true defining moment in our country was the day that winning election to a public office became an opportunity for great wealth instead of an opportunity to serve. The term civil service has lost all meaning, and should be replaced with the more accurate term of self servant.  What other profession celebrates lying, bribery, theft, and embezzlement as part of the job? 

It should appal us all that activities such as these are termed as "just politics" by the people engaging in them daily. It is time to call a spade a spade; a bribe is still a bribe even when it is called a sweetener. An earmark is nothing more than a misappropriation of funds intended to purchase political allegiance, and such an act in any other arena would carry with it a prison term. 

Using funds allocated for the preservation of our government to pad an individuals own pockets is nothing more than theft and embezzlement. When did those elected to represent become representatives of only their interests and not of the people they are elected to serve? 

The realm that should be the most ethical, transparent, morally sound, and even sacred has become nothing more than a place in which organized crime has been legalized and celebrated. The saddest part of this commentary is that "We the People" are paying the bill for this evil and self-indulgence. 

When did a private jet become a right, and where can I pick up mine? We find ourselves on the eve of our once great country's demise, and not at the hands of an outside threat, but at the hands of the very people elected to both protect and preserve our Union. 

Internal corruption has rotted our Republic like a termite ridden tree, and like that tree, it will inevitably fall. The choice is clear, "We the people" must either take back that which millions have fought, bled, and died for from these self- serving elitest that are not fit to serve our nation in any capacity, or we will lose it forever.

Learn more about this author, Ryan Moody.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.