Empty Suits Fuel America's Political Corruption Crisis

American politics has always been a battleground of competing interests and ideologies, marred by corruption and the influence of powerful lobbies.

It’s the extent of corruption and influence that has the US political system overflowing with empty suits who are failing to serve Americans.

And that was no better reflected than in the first Biden and Trump debate. Watching as an Australian was painfully embarrassing. And if it was cringe-worthy for an Australian, what then would Americans have been thinking and feeling about America’s future? It would have to be feelings of helplessness and despair.

The US is devoid of leadership – and it’s a dream with Americans wondering if the US will ever elect a leader who would give them the hope and inspiration to become great again, and not Donald Trump’s version of greatness.

Biden, Trump, and not even RFK Jr. or whoever the American political system throws up from its existing circus of zombies will deliver or take control of a rapidly sinking ship.

The suits, representing the stale and compromised leadership on both sides of politics, are long overdue for a thorough cleaning out. With the increasing influence of powerful lobby groups like AIPAC, it's crucial Americans look for leaders who are not bought and are committed to rebuilding a US that embraces the world rather than seeking to control or destroy it.

Decades of entrenched interests and systemic corruption have left Americans disillusioned with the Democratic and Republican parties. While both parties differ in rhetoric, as George Galloway would say, “they’re two sides of the same arse” who often find common ground and are susceptible to the influence of AIPAC.

AIPAC has wielded significant power over US foreign policy in the Middle East for way too long. Its influence has translated into unwavering support for Israel’s policies, at the expense of the US. The outsized influence of AIPAC raises questions about the integrity and independence of American politicians who rely heavily on its support.

And because of it, electing leaders who are beholden to AIPAC has led to domestic policies that have prioritized the interests of a few over the needs of the many, with America’s economic inequality widening and policies favoring corporate interests and the wealthy elite.

AIPAC’s influence in US foreign policy hasn’t only driven an aggressive unilateral approach; it’s now alienated allies, provoked adversaries, and contributed to global instability. The US is now seen as a nation more interested in maintaining its hegemony than in fostering global partnerships and peace.

To address the US’s fall from grace and collapsed image, Americans must look beyond its two-party system and seek leaders who aren’t AIPAC-bought lackeys and possess the vision and courage to rebuild the US in a way that embraces cooperation with the world. Instead, the empty suits of the US’s political leadership have turned America into a global pariah, rapidly becoming isolated internationally.

The election of unbought leaders begins with an American public committed to political engagement and education. Americans must scrutinize candidates' funding sources and policy positions and seek out those who demonstrate independence from AIPAC’s and other powerful lobby groups’ influences.

Systemic reform of the US political system is necessary if the influence of money is to be reduced in politics. Measures such as public financing of campaigns, stricter lobbying regulations, and enhanced transparency will help level the playing field and ensure elected officials are more accountable to their constituents than to special interest groups.

Rebuilding the United States in a way that embraces cooperation with the world is not only a moral imperative but also pragmatic. Adopting a more cooperative approach to international relations not only strengthens the US’s alliances but also builds new partnerships and contributes to a more stable and prosperous world. If the US embraces cooperation rather than control, it can restore its standing as a world leader.

US foreign policy over the past decade has been marked by aggressive stances that have eroded its global standing. Fomenting wars against Russia via Ukraine as a proxy, supporting Israel’s genocide against Palestinians, and adopting an antagonistic stance toward China while backing Taiwan have contributed to the collapse of the US.

Supporting Ukraine against Russia has drawn the US into a geopolitical struggle with significant economic and military costs. Its unwavering support for Israel’s commitment of genocide has sparked international condemnation and diminished its moral authority. Meanwhile, the US’s anti-China stance and support for Taiwan have heightened tensions in East Asia, risking economic repercussions and potential military confrontations.

America’s foreign policy missteps aren’t only accelerating the decline of US hegemony but also contributing to the rise of BRICS as a formidable economic force. BRICS is increasingly collaborating to create alternative economic systems that challenge US dominance, with initiatives including the New Development Bank, which provides a counterbalance to institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

BRICS’s growth reflects a global shift toward a multipolar world where US influence is no longer unchallenged. The BRICS nations are leveraging their collective economic power to reduce dependence on the US dollar and promote their own currencies in international trade. This not only diminishes America's economic leverage but also highlights the international community’s growing intolerance of US policies viewed as imperialistic.

America’s wardrobe of empty suits in politics needs a thorough dry cleaning. To rebuild the US in a way that embraces global cooperation, Americans must elect leaders who are unbought and committed to serving the public good.

Rectifying the US’s appalling foreign policies that have consistently provoked conflicts and fostered global instability is crucial. America has a chance to rebuild its international standing and contribute to global peace and prosperity. The rise of BRICS has become a reminder that the world is moving towards a more balanced power structure, and the US must adapt by embracing cooperation rather than striving for control.

Americans deserve better!