Poll: Ban corporate and union donations to politians?

[Martin]

 

[Tom]

Full disclosure- absolutely
limit it- probably acceptable
ban it- no way. Horrible affront to freedom.

 

[Marty]

Of course, why should unions be able to donate money if corporations are not? For that matter, neither should trial lawyer associations. I believe individuals should support politians.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: Dead Parrot Sketch
Full disclosure- absolutely
limit it- probably acceptable
ban it- no way. Horrible affront to freedom.

how is banning it any more of an affront to freedoms than limiting it, or forcing people to make it public?

 

[Marty]

How is it an affront to freedom if the unions are banned from giving money? It is a greater violation of rights when they do donate - just think of the worker who does not agree with the views of the union's leaders. His money will be supporting something which he does not. How is that fair?

 

[tcsenter]

I want corporations to have a part in the political process, because quite frankly the wealth of expertise and how legislation might impact sectors of an industry or a corporation in particular is unrivaled in the private sector. Corporations do have an interest in what might prove to be detrimental to them and they know better than anyone what might prove detrimental to them. But I don't know how to go about taking the corrupting "bling bling" out of the process without having other unintended consequences.

 

[UltraQuiet]

Originally posted by: Marty
How is it an affront to freedom if the unions are banned from giving money? It is a greater violation of rights when they do donate - just think of the worker who does not agree with the views of the union's leaders. His money will be supporting something which he does not. How is that fair?

How is it fair that your tax money is used for things you don't approve of? War, welfare, NEA. Unions are nothing more than represenatative democracies just like our goverment. You elect people who you think will do the best job for you even though you should realize they may not do exactly what you want them to everytime.

 

[BooneRebel]

Originally posted by: Marty
Of course, why should unions be able to donate money if corporations are not? For that matter, neither should trial lawyer associations. I believe individuals should support politians.

As an individual, I support politians, especially the neo-politians. I like their ice cream, too.

As far as politicians are concerned, I think we would be better off if all donations were banned, not just corporate ones. If we had a level playing field in which each political party received equal representation, such as TV air time, I think we would finally see a challenge to our two party system.

 

[JellyBaby]

Corporations are individuals and money is free speech or didn't you know that?

I don't think there will be any meaningful adjustments to campaign financing. Ever. Corporations are tapped for a lot of bread and they expect a return on that "investment" even if they have to take a double wammy by padding career politicians.

As for unions...aren't most obsolute now anyway?

 

[shiner]

Originally posted by: Dead Parrot Sketch
Full disclosure- absolutely
limit it- probably acceptable
ban it- no way. Horrible affront to freedom.[/q

What he said...

 

[Marty]

How is it fair that your tax money is used for things you don't approve of? War, welfare, NEA. Unions are nothing more than represenatative democracies just like our goverment. You elect people who you think will do the best job for you even though you should realize they may not do exactly what you want them to everytime.

There is a difference between the government of the country you live in, and an organization of people who do the same type of work you do.

Your argument could also be used to support contributions by corporations, after all, the corporation represents the interests of the stockholders.

 

[Martin]

Originally posted by: BooneRebel

Originally posted by: Marty
Of course, why should unions be able to donate money if corporations are not? For that matter, neither should trial lawyer associations. I believe individuals should support politians.

As an individual, I support politians, especially the neo-politians. I like their ice cream, too.

As far as politicians are concerned, I think we would be better off if all donations were banned, not just corporate ones. If we had a level playing field in which each political party received equal representation, such as TV air time, I think we would finally see a challenge to our two party system.

that wouldn't really work, unless you put a minimum number of votes the party had the previous election. For example, if a part had 5% or more of the total vote in the last election, it would be eligible for funds, but if it had only 1%, then it is a fringe party and has no place in the mainstream.