Bush administration & the global decline of American capitalism-Part 2

[IndianaGreen]

Part 1 of this story is posted in this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=194826

Report on US: The Bush administration and the global decline of American capitalism
Part Two

By Barry Grey
6 March 2006

With the Bush administration, the assault on democratic rights has assumed a ferocity and all-embracing character without precedent in American history.

Political and legal norms are being brought into line with the oligarchic social structure of the United States. And the more the political system becomes divorced from the people, the more the popular base of support of the two capitalist parties narrows, the more overt and foul the corruption and criminality of official politics. American politics were never exactly virginal. But the American political establishment of today is rotting on its feet. The phrase “stench of corruption” may be something of a cliché, but in this case it is an apt one.

The Jack Abramoff bribery and influence-peddling scandal, involving a right-wing Republican lobbyist and crony of leading White House figures such as Bush political adviser and Deputy White House Chief of Staff Karl Rove, is only the tip of the garbage heap. Corporate lobbyists brazenly buy votes and bribe congressmen. They frequently draft the legislation that is subsequently enacted into law.

Multi-millionaires buy their way into office at all levels of government. Others rely on the kindness of corporate sponsors. The mayoral post of a major American city costs tens of millions of dollars; the purchase of a statehouse often requires additional millions; and the presidency these days involves an outlay of hundreds of millions in campaign cash.

Between high-level political office, top positions in the military apparatus and lucrative sinecures in the corporate world there is a revolving door that spins with well-oiled regularity and speed.

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/mar2006/bgp2-m06.shtml

[mom cat]

1. K&R ... & thanks.