GroundedSailor
Platinum Member
- Feb 18, 2001
- 2,502
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And you miss my point. You cannot remove money from politics. No amount of regulation or "ethics" will change that. Big government attracts big money and corruption is the name of the game. The wealthy have access to the federal government. You do not and never will.
The layers of government and their responsibilities is not a separate question. In fact it is the most important question. As power has moved away from cities and states and to the feds, power has moved from the citizen, to the corporation and the ultra wealthy. Until you understand that, you cannot fix the problem.
I am beginning to see the wisdom of how its done in Australia.
Election season only last 4 -6 weeks prior to the election. This keeps down the cost of campaigning.
Federal elections are federally funded, not privately. This keeps out most of the influence.
Finally, it is compulsory to vote in elections - their turnout %age is typically in the mid-90's. Those who do not vote are asked for an explanation and are fined if no satisfactory explanation is given. This keeps the electorate involved and gives a more representative Govt.
It is my opinion that lobbying is one of the worst aspects of the American system. And the SC interpretation that Corporations are 'persons' and thus have rights, including free speech.
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