Corruption among politicians is nothing new and existed for thousands of years. US stated political system unlike political system in the former USSR is based on the system of "checks and balances". Certainly there are many politicians who are corrupt or would like to be, for exmple Charles Rangel, democrat from Harlem ( NYC). As powerful as he was, our system of "checks and balances" brought him down. So I do not necessarily share your pessimism. As far as tough times for America, who knows, while entire world is shaking off the dead weight of socialism, democratic party and Obama are trying to bring it here. I just hope he doesn't succeed.