Editor's Note: CNN’s "Broken Government" series spurred heated response from American Morning’s Monday audience. Some sarcastically remarked that the government was “not broken,” because the Republicans were getting exactly what they wanted: “low taxes on the rich, and no regulation of the big money players on Wall St.”
- David: As far as Republicans are concerned, government isn't broken at all. They are getting exactly what they want from it; low taxes on the rich, and no regulation of the big money players on Wall St.
Others suggested greed was the culprit for the demise of the U.S. political system.
- Jan: Big businesses focus on greed instead of fair profits and investing in a company and its employees is an enormous part of why the middle class is in the position we are in today. No one, and I mean no one, needs the amount of money being given to companies top tier executives instead of investing back into the company and its employees. Greed defined as “excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves avarice: reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins) has brought down civilizations in past history and unless we change this I fear for the future of America. What happened to being proud of your accomplishments instead of being greedy individuals who take the money at the cost of their employees? The people whose money they are running away with instead of help building Americas future and a stronger middle class. Companies need to invest in the employees who do the work.
- Greg: Union corruption destroying America. More union Corruption in Flint, MI
- Mark: The American Dream is alive and doing well–in India, and at a huge discount. Our, nay, The Government is not broken, they are right on schedule in selling out the middle class.
- Dan: Fix middle class problems, fix broken government – GET RID OF LOBBIEST, SET TERMS LIMITS FOR POLITICANS, We now have a new class system and the middle class does not fit anymore.
A third group was not concerned “why” government was broken, and instead offered various solutions on how to “reset” the current system, perhaps by calling for a new “Continental Congress.”
- Peter: Perhaps the only way to fix our broken government at this point to call a Continental Congress. How else to get big money out of lobbying, fixing the filibuster rule, ending the two party system, clarifying executive powers, and clarifying term limits for congress.
- Dr. L: The Government Is Broken...But Not Beyond Repair. The Best possible fix for the US Government is SIMPLISTIC in all its glory. However, "The Fix" would create a true representation of the American people and it appears that the politicians (career or otherwise) are not ready/willing to give in. "The Fix" is this... ELIMINATE $$$ MONEY $$$ from the political system. It can be done...it must be done. It would level the field and make the dream possible for any American Citizen willing to serve. I think this is what the founding fathers had in mind. This will also reawaken the American Voter... Let's Talk.
- Linval: "Broken government"...that by far is an understatement! When has these politicians, democrats or republicans, independents or whatever they want to call themselves do anything for the people?? Anything that has to do with the general well being of the people is always the "unpopular thing"...why is That? They are all selfish people thinking about their bank books and political careers rather than worrying about doing what is RIGHT for the people ...NOT! for themselves! This will only stop when we the people finally realize that it is 'WE" that ultimately has the power! the power to vote them out and shut them down!
- Marlin: You will have guest and pundits explaining the reason for broken govt. when the answer is very simple. We have a republican minority that is abusing the senate filibuster rule to such an extent as to stop the majority from getting legislation passed. In all my years I have never seen a time when a small number of the minority would go along with the majority. Not today. If you want the answer just publicize all week the number of times this minority has filibustered since they lost the majority in the house and senate. Amazingly the public blames both parties.
- Joe: Both Congress- and the Media today need the same Fix! GROW UP!
What do you think? Continue the conversation below.