Politics Are Fueled By Greed? What?! *sarcasm*

As if we needed any more proof that the political crusades to protect big business are founded in corporate greed, ThinkProgress reports that Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is fighting efforts to protect public health interests by further regulating the coal industry... all while making millions privately from coal.

"On his financial disclosures for 2009 and 2010, Manchin reported significant earnings from Enersystems Inc., a coal brokerage that he helped run before his political star rose. In the 19 months before winning his Senate seat in a hard-fought special election, Manchin reportedoperating income of $1,363,916 from Enersystems. His next disclosure showed $417,255 in Enersystems income."

I don't really need to say anything about this.  It's entirely obvious that voting in a candidate with strong private interest in damaging industries is a bad, bad idea.  

I know!  Let's pass a bill: the only people who can run for national political office must, by law, have a less than $100k/year income.*

*this post brought to you by the Ian Awesome for US Senate Campaign.