After Eric Cantor’s dramatic loss in Virginia, many now feel that traditional Conservative principles may soon prevail within the Republican Party. I doubt it. It is very easy for talk show hosts and columnists to be “ideologically pure.” It doesn’t cost them anything, and it’s also good for ratings. Congress, however, is different. It is very difficult to get things done up there without collecting votes from others, including those who favor objectionable policies. That support comes at a steep price, as they will demand the same favor in return. Hence, by definition, almost all accomplishments by Congressional legislators entail “selling one’s soul” (to some degree) and being willing to vote against one’s conscience. Another pervasive corrupting factor in U.S. government is the influence of contributions. Because the U.S. system requires politicians to run very expensive campaigns in order to get elected, all but...(Read Full Article)