If money is speech, and speech is how we persuade one another to do this or that, they why should bribery be illegal? Or buying votes? Instead of the inefficient practice of running adverts to try to talk “independents” into voting for me, why not just offer cash payments? Handing out money being the same thing as talking to people, right? Instead of going to a politician and trying to persuade with a bundle of words to support a bill, go to him and try to persuade him with a bundle of cash. What’s the difference, if money is speech?
We all need to know who is supporting the candidates. That is who they will be working for. They have no choice if they want to stay in office, you have to do the bidding of the person who is paying your way. Just the same as we all do in our jobs. So, before going to vote, look it up on the internet. Open Secrets is a good site, but there are plenty. If the candidate is getting his money from small donors, he is going to be working for the middle class. If his donations are from corporations or 1%er, don’t figure he is going to go against them and do anything for the middle class. It would be political suicide.
What follows is a paragraph from “THE COLLAPSE OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC” by historian William L. Shirer, a reporter who lived in France during the 1930’s, loved Paris, and after France’s greatest debacle, he investigated the causes and wrote this great book. These passages are from chapter 11.
“The power of a small elite which possessed most of the wealth was greater than the power of the republican government elected by the people, presumably to run the country in the interest of all its citizens. This group was determined to preserve its privileged position and thus its money. In effect, since the triumph of the Republic over President MacMahon there had been a virtual alliance between the possessor class and the Republic, which it manipulated through its control of the Press, the financing of political parties, and the handling of its vast funds to influence the fiscal policies of government. …….The bankers and businessmen had learned the technique of how, in a democratic society to thwart the majority.”
There are many more such statements in chapter 11 (Political & Financial Chaos, and the Poincare Recovery)which closely relate to our present situation in the United States. If you don’t like it, address your complaints to Mr. Shirer.
“where is the the Democrat who is pretending not to be wealthy shopping for his “bought and paid for” congressional representative…”
Too busy getting unelected because the Supreme Court said that billionaires can buy elections. And they usually give the cash to guys who are pro outsourcing, pro pollution, and pro privatization of public land (AKA Republicans).
Basqueian about 10 years ago
Too many women in that carton, he’ll want to change that……
Doughfoot about 10 years ago
If money is speech, and speech is how we persuade one another to do this or that, they why should bribery be illegal? Or buying votes? Instead of the inefficient practice of running adverts to try to talk “independents” into voting for me, why not just offer cash payments? Handing out money being the same thing as talking to people, right? Instead of going to a politician and trying to persuade with a bundle of words to support a bill, go to him and try to persuade him with a bundle of cash. What’s the difference, if money is speech?
Theodore E. Lind Premium Member about 10 years ago
Hey it will make it easier for convicted politicians to get re-elected.
Kip W about 10 years ago
“Cheaper by the dozen.”
All right, who’s been packing the Court?
dougsathome about 10 years ago
It was a 5 pack of REPUBLICANS.
stpfeffer about 10 years ago
This is the twilight of our democracy….
Diane Lee Premium Member about 10 years ago
We all need to know who is supporting the candidates. That is who they will be working for. They have no choice if they want to stay in office, you have to do the bidding of the person who is paying your way. Just the same as we all do in our jobs. So, before going to vote, look it up on the internet. Open Secrets is a good site, but there are plenty. If the candidate is getting his money from small donors, he is going to be working for the middle class. If his donations are from corporations or 1%er, don’t figure he is going to go against them and do anything for the middle class. It would be political suicide.
Doughfoot about 10 years ago
“When Bill had time between Lewinski’s.”Had time between Lewinski’s what? I know, bad joke, but I couldn’t resist when you left such a great opening.
moosemin about 10 years ago
What follows is a paragraph from “THE COLLAPSE OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC” by historian William L. Shirer, a reporter who lived in France during the 1930’s, loved Paris, and after France’s greatest debacle, he investigated the causes and wrote this great book. These passages are from chapter 11.
“The power of a small elite which possessed most of the wealth was greater than the power of the republican government elected by the people, presumably to run the country in the interest of all its citizens. This group was determined to preserve its privileged position and thus its money. In effect, since the triumph of the Republic over President MacMahon there had been a virtual alliance between the possessor class and the Republic, which it manipulated through its control of the Press, the financing of political parties, and the handling of its vast funds to influence the fiscal policies of government. …….The bankers and businessmen had learned the technique of how, in a democratic society to thwart the majority.”
There are many more such statements in chapter 11 (Political & Financial Chaos, and the Poincare Recovery)which closely relate to our present situation in the United States. If you don’t like it, address your complaints to Mr. Shirer.
wiatr about 10 years ago
It’s not about parties, it’s about the crumbling of our Republic.
d_legendary1 about 10 years ago
“where is the the Democrat who is pretending not to be wealthy shopping for his “bought and paid for” congressional representative…”
Too busy getting unelected because the Supreme Court said that billionaires can buy elections. And they usually give the cash to guys who are pro outsourcing, pro pollution, and pro privatization of public land (AKA Republicans).
Kip W about 10 years ago
Clarence Thomas has had plenty of outright conflicts of interest, and refused to recuse himself. There’s plenty of reason there to impeach.