Article 1, Section 9, Paragraphs 7-8
No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.
No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.
So What Happened?
The Legislature is no longer tied directly to the people or the States. The President is not a manager of the Federal Government. The intended safeguards have been effectively cancelled. Now Senators and Representatives seem to fight for expanded spending and powers. Broad accounts are approved for general spending. The Legislature votes for its own benefits and salaries. They have given themselves credit cards from the Federal Treasury. There is no desire to police these 'out-of-control' expenses, nor prosecute the abuse of spending. Tax levels are constantly raised to fund the abuses, and the Government is looked upon as a "rich uncle."
As for accountability, citizens feel as if the Government is completely out of control and their input is totally useless. Most people know that their voice will not be heard, and most do not want to put out the effort to find out what is going on in the Government. Citizens are more interested in what the Government will give them, and want as many "free" programs as they can get from the Government, feeling the Government "owes" them! To sedate the public, the Government prints huge amounts of money to flood the economy and offset the impact of providing programs. The problem is this is only heading our Country into Bankruptcy.
As for titles, our society has gone crazy. Not only are government buildings being replaced with posh facilities and offices, fit for kings, even the janitors of such buildings are called "engineers!" Instead of remembering that officials are public servants who deserve respect because of their work, we think of Federal officials as royalty. Winning a position by election is paramount to winning a lottery! Citizens need to exercise their Constitutional rights and privileges.
 |
 |
 |
