Political campaigns in the U.S. are now financed through what amounts to a system of legalized bribery. Recent Supreme Court decisions have opened the door to runaway political spending while limiting the ability of average citizens to have a meaningful say in the electoral process. We're in danger of having our representative government transformed into an oligarchy, run by the privileged few.
The importance of this corruption is magnified by the effect it has on every other challenge facing America today: the shrinking middle class, the environment, education, health care, immigration and even the so called war on terror.
Lobbyists, backed by Political Action Committees with deep pockets wield enormous influence on politicians in both parties. It's clear that Democrats and Republicans both benefit substantially from the current system. All need to be held accountable for their participation.
Reform is needed immediately. The longer we wait, the greater the damage, and the harder it will be to correct. The power of big money can be vastly reduced by allowing campaigns to receive only small donor contributions in addition to making use of public funds. Shadowy front groups and their secret donors must be kept out of our elections. Let's enact tougher disclosure laws so voters can see who's trying to buy elections.
The power that corporations exert in government can't be denied. It too has to be exposed and contained. Shouldn't decisions about corporate political spending be controlled by shareholders?
We as citizens and voters need to face the fact that even democracies are capable of harboring those willing to use propaganda and other deceptive methods to get what they want at the expense of everyone else.
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| Source: flipside.files.com |
Lobbyists, backed by Political Action Committees with deep pockets wield enormous influence on politicians in both parties. It's clear that Democrats and Republicans both benefit substantially from the current system. All need to be held accountable for their participation.
Reform is needed immediately. The longer we wait, the greater the damage, and the harder it will be to correct. The power of big money can be vastly reduced by allowing campaigns to receive only small donor contributions in addition to making use of public funds. Shadowy front groups and their secret donors must be kept out of our elections. Let's enact tougher disclosure laws so voters can see who's trying to buy elections.
The power that corporations exert in government can't be denied. It too has to be exposed and contained. Shouldn't decisions about corporate political spending be controlled by shareholders?
We as citizens and voters need to face the fact that even democracies are capable of harboring those willing to use propaganda and other deceptive methods to get what they want at the expense of everyone else.
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