Wendy,
It is very clear the influence of money has been one of the fundamental
problems with our political system. Money has weakened our democracy, and some
would rightfully argue replaced the people. We all know money has the ability
to corrupt, but how do policticians, parities and political institutions get
their message out to the public with out it? We have work towards public
funding of campaigns to repair our democracy at all levels of government.
Who believes the person that votes has as much influence as the person that
gives thousands or even millions of dollars to candidates and parties? Our
society puts more importance on money then other forums of contributions so few
would believe the voter or nonvoter has the same influence.
For example if a politician from either party is contacted by a voter
(non-contributor), a voter $100 donor, and voter $3000 donor which person is
more likely to get a meeting about an issue that is of extreme importance to
them immediately? Poll a hundred children and the far majority will tell you
the $3000 contributor will get the meeting first but that does not make it
right. Yet we still work under that same system that a child can tell is not
fair.
Other relationship factors play a role in our political system as well but
money by far has the greatest influence. We need to reform at all levels to
repair our fragile democracy.
Ken Bradley
Kenny Neighborhood
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