re: Was our government always this top to bottom corrupt and full of criminals?

There has always been corruption. Always.

In the old days, however, if the nation prospered, then the corrupt politicians, big business, etc. prospered. However, this was during a time of more isolationism before globalism. The United States, and other nations as well, were more into looking out for number one. Back then, if the United States failed, then they failed.

Once globalism took hold, the corrupt politicians then became beholden to the Deep State, however you want to define it. Everything went global, so if the corrupt politician wants to prosper, it may be at the detriment of his own nation. In other words, financially support Ukraine, kiss China's arse, etc. despite the harm it does to the United States because that is where the corrupt politicians have their money. In other words, the United States may fail, but the corrupt ones will still come out of it smelling like roses. They no longer have a vested interest in the success of the nation.

Not always but for a long time

quote:

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Some of you older folks…was it this bad in the 50’s 60’s and early 70’s?

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The corruption and criminal activities have been endemic throughout our federal government for decades but the crooks no longer fear being exposed or fear retribution from the citizenry

The corruption of the Biden administration makes Nixon look like child's play.

Not in 1776

Absolutely. They were just better at covering it up and/or concealing it from the masses. Now they DGAF because there are barely any consequences even if they are busted.