This NYT piece on the troubles of Charles Rangel follows the trail of possible corruption of campaign and other donations in return for favors. I don't think it covers the larger issue of the power and influence of important government officials. Decisions that they make control the flow of 100s of billions of dollars and the regulations that directly affect the lives of all of us.
Those individuals, corporations and institutions that can directly profit from those decisons unsurprisingly are the major contributors to these politicians. Over time, this influence peddling cannot fail to work. In fact, it is clearly impossible to hold office without satisfying some of these special interests. Satisfying the needs of the general electorate can easily fall into second place. There is evidence of this in almost every news summary.
The Hedge Tax is intended to limit the freedom of our representatives to tax and spend as they please. Our current system offers a voter only a vague connection to their candidates actions and the overall effect on governance. Only special interests matter.
Make a considered judgment of Congressman Rangel. He is a typical product of the system.
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