Why are we screwed?

Because the special interests have the whole Congress in their pocket and members of Congress will never vote for good legislation that will benefit the economy as a whole and be contrary to the wishes of the special interests. If they did they would lose their "donations" from the lobbyists and it would cost them their job. The corrupt lobbying makes them all millionaires by the time they leave the Congress.

They will never pass the following brilliant proposals that would end the recession within 12 months and propel the economy to unheard of new prosperity:

http://www.EndingTheRecession.com/

and

http://www.AutomaticTax.com/ 

Check out this small episode from Eddy Murphy's movie "The Distinguished Gentleman".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg9zz_5mkFQ&feature=related