>Another "feature" about our form of government is that we have the best government money can buy. It costs a lot to run for a political office and get elected. Spending more than the other guy does not mean you will be elected but it sure helps.

Yes, it does. And the media reports on this. The voters still decide to vote for those candidates. Whose fault is it? Again, it's the voters.

>Obtaining capital to run for office occupies much of the time and effort of individuals. When you are elected you get to "pay back" those that supported you. Our way of life is all about "money" which equates to "power".

And we keep voting for these people. Again, we have nobody to blame but ourselves. It is not a consipracy by the media, a foreign influence, or space aliens. Right or wrong, that's what the voters have chosen to do.