America for Sale
Earlier today, Michael Isikoff of NBC News reported there has been an unprecedented amount of hidden campaign contributions being funneled into congressional campaigns leading up to the midterm elections, approximately a quarter of a billion dollars worth. This is being done through a network of ambiguous political action committees. How is this possible?
In January 2010, in a 5-to-4 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, the Supreme Court ruled corporations enjoy the same First Amendment free-speech rights as individuals. Isikof commented we are seeing a return to the “wild west days before Watergate.” Back in January, Fred Worthheimer, president of Democracy 21 declared “This is the most radical and destructive campaign-finance decision in the history of the Supreme Court.” I agree with Isikoff and Worthheimer that the Supreme Court has failed us, undermining the democratic principles of our republic. Many will find it difficult to accept, because it’s relatively hidden deterioration that undermines the democratic principles of our country, like termites eating away at the timbers of a house.
This blog is a perfect example of free speech. Paying legislators with the implicit understanding of how a legislator must vote is bribery. The distinction is clear. How can Congress honestly address the critical issues facing America, if they have to worry about offending their financial benefactors?
With the magnitude of our increasing problems, this corrupt system cannot sustain America. I am not saying the United States will end as an institution. It will merely become the virtual property of the highest bidder.
Is there no hope? As private citizens, we cannot match the financial power of moneyed special interests. However, we still have the power to vote. That is our one hope. However, neither the Democrats nor the Republicans seem inclined to deal with this issue. Switching between two corrupt political parties is not “change.” It is merely moving the deck chairs around on the Titanic.
The only recourse is to seek out rational independent candidates. Please do not fall for the “wasted vote” fallacy. Even if an independent candidate fails to get elected. Significant vote counts will encourage other independent candidates, and put the moneyed power players on notice.
People like Jeff Vanke, who is running for Virginia’s 6th District, offer us hope. Jeff is a man of high integrity, running as a Modern Whig, a party devoted to integrity in government. We need more people like Jeff to run. And we need more dedicated and enlightened citizens to support them.
If we want to end legalized bribery to politicians, the American people must fight to get their country back. As has been said, “Freedom is not free.” I will not allow moneyed special interests to buy my freedom. I will fight to keep it.
Related websites:
www.jeffvanke.com, www.modernwhig.org
