You hit the nail on the head, whoever donates to campaigns gets their cause championed.  That's how the bankruptcy legislation passed.  Those banks have deep pockets and there is no PAC for people who are just trying to keep their heads above water. 

Well, Citibank certainly got their dues (and so did Countrywide) on the stock market the other day....in my job I see the PACs in full gear, and I must say, it is nerve wracking. I've even seen some, in their prime, WRITE the legislation for the staff that was later voted on. Geezeo peazo, how does the average joe compete?

I've always wondered - are the politicians blackmailing big business, or is big business bribing the politicians? Maybe the Dems just wanted a campaign contribution, so they came up with this 'tax increase' that they weren't really going to do but needed as a threat.

yes

The biggest irony of the AMT is that those who are going to get hit hardest are from states that normally vote for Democrats - who are even now proposing new tax increases.

Yup, that's right. What a freakin' mess. I change my mind on this all the time. Flat tax? National Sales tax? What? I used to own a small retail store --- don't ask -- Sales tax was the biggest pain in the rear there was. Then, when I travel to poorer countries I think: we ain't got it so bad. That said, we ain't got it so good, either.