From treasure to trash!

The title aptly describes the journey of the American political process during the past several decades. When it began is itself a matter of
opinion; whether with the unregulated derivatives/real estate boom, the exodus of our industrial base to low wage venues, the invasion of Iraq. And for the bible thumping moralists, perhaps with the founding of Planned Parenthood?
It has been characterized by a climate of anti-intellectual sentiment, with contempt for science where it interferes with the biases of the uninformed.
The politicians have been quick to latch on to, and exploit, the public's fear and economic stress. Instead of addressing the underlying decay in our financial
system, and three senseless wars, the political prostitutes in Washington
have sold out to the giant banks and corporations and the know-nothings
of the Tea Party. They are determined to solve our financial problems on the backs of the remnants of our middle class, and eliminate the one program, Planned Parenthood, with the best opportunty to eliminate abortion, at no cost to tax payers.
Just as a medical evaluation is required of candidates to become officers in our armed forces, we should screen the intelligence of candidates for Congress.
And throw in a "Venality" evaluation if one can be devised!