I wish all politicians were so open about their lives.

That's right -- the guy flying your plane can't get through security without being groped, but your politicians can.

Can you spell 'politicians?'

Plenty of charlatan docs, lawyers, clergy, politicians, police, bankers.

Now, imagine if these corporations could somehow influence our politicians; they could basically control legislation to ensure that not only do they continue to have favorable tax treatment, but they could also rig the system to ensure that true capitalism couldn't thrive, as the "little guy" would have little ability to compete.That's as big a problem as individuals not paying tax (which is clearly a major problem as well).

I think that politicians should be more focused on eliminating the departments than on lowering taxes.

WOW, Cook County, sounds like they aren't paying the right politician to me!

Keeps the population dumb, easily malleable, vulnerable, and they don't put up a fuss when they are screwed over by our politicians elected to "represent" us in our state capitals and in DC.

Glad to hear you're an historian instead of a politician, and that you were somehow able to thrive and benefit from the collapse.  

I guess politicians do not understand that they are doing a disservice to the tenant base here.