that certain elements of the left DO actually make a living by exploiting the very people that they state they are tying to help.  Example?  Jesse Jackson - early in his career - he preached that black people needed education, he actually went into the neighborhoods and chided those who would not help themselves to an education.   Now?  he only asks for handouts - Jesse - where are you - why the change in message?  

Another example?  Ted Kennedy - he supports many causes - that really do nothing to help the poor....  sad to say, a lot of people do not realize that hard work actually is rewarded....   but so many preach that you should be handed everything....

Why do they do that?  Simply because if you are dependant upon those that hand you "stuff," do not think for yourself, and cannot support yourself, you will be more willing to keep those people in power - whether they be with the government or "specific rights" groups.

So, that, in my opinion is a cottage industry...  but make money with criminal justice....  don't think so - ever see the pay scale for those in govenment civil service....  ho boy....   that is why they are beaurocrats....

Laws get passed because lobbyists spend time and money getting them passed.  These lobbyiests are paid by the industries that hope to get some $$ by having these laws passed.  It's the American Way.

Fortunately, $$$ doesn't vote.  People do.  The only way of overcome this situation is by loudly expressing yourself and hope that enough follow suit.

I'd be much more inclined to believe someone was lining their pockets building prisons if I actually saw criminals being kept locked up where they belong instead of being turned back out on the streets by the revolving-door justice system to contiue victimizing innocent society.

Looks like certain important figures in washington are having chemical balance problems... traitors, leakers, and spineless liberals, disrespectful media, nattering nabobs of negativism, the effete corps of impudent snobs, gay cowboys, cow gayboys, stem cells, ostrich flu, bad singing on american idol...dammit we gotta get to the bottom of this conspiracy.... and deep in your heart you know the freemasons are the puppetmasters !!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED !!!!!!!!

I'm getting ready to make myself sick with my own cynicism, but...I have come to believe that in most cases, any time anyone can benefit themselves with power, money, etc., they will.  Is it just human nature?  I think that corruption is inevitable.  Hope I'm wrong.

...stop thinking and have a beer.