[thecavemaster]

That's not even what I am implying. I am corresponding the act of condoning someones selling their vote for personal gain vs. the condemnation of someone who is accused of being a greedy capitalist. That is clearly a hypocritical stance.

Not totally untrue, but you must remember that the fraud and the manipulation of many of the recipitants in all government assisted programs is equal to, or if not greater than the excessive instances of over indulgence by the parties that you named. But, lets also not forget to point out that the ambulance chaser, and illegitimate malpractice claims by that slimiest form of existance known to man (the attorney), is responsible for as much monetary abuse as the other two categories. Where are the checks and balance system in dealing with those scum bags? Could it be because most politians are lawyers themselves? I guess that can explain why most fit into the "selling their souls" mold. It's just in their inner beings.

KImball, horse trading and politics go together, have gone together, and will probably always go together... and you know it. If a politician votes, against conscience, or knowingly against the best interests of the country, that might rise to "soul selling" level. Also, the role of the attorney is a valuable one in this society, and every profession contains scoundrels. I agree with you that measured tort reform is necessary.