Ithaca Blog

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

One Reason for War: Politicians Make Money

A new study reveals that members of Congress have almost $200 million invested in military companies under contract with the Pentagon.

Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts is the largest investor, with an estimated $38 million. His profits in three years of the study were almost $3 million.

Democrats in Congress have more money invested in military companies than Republicans do.

Two old expressions come to mind.

One is "Follow the money" when looking for explanantions on what Democrats and Republicans do and how they vote.

The other is the notion that there is "not a dime's worth of difference" between the elected officials of the two parties - although the saying should probably be amended to reflect not dimes, but millions of dollars which politicians make through what is essentially corruption.

The war in Iraq, of course, is just one example of such personal profiteering and malfeasance.

The need for a third party grows ever clearer. Doesn't it?

Stephen Burke
for Ithaca Blog

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