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catnipdipper · 10-19-2010, 07:53 AM

Tip O'Neill always felt "All politics is local."

For some time now outside influences have been attacking this premise.

I certainly can't recall a time where so much outside money has attempted to control essentially local or state elections to form a controlling group? I can sit in Wichita and give millions anonymously and change or influence an election in a district in South Dakota, Ohio or where ever I choose.

The National Chamber of Commerce is a big donor, the Koch's, Karl Rove's Pac's and Sinqefeld in St. Louis have their own agendas. Unions do also but not in the same level of $$$.

What the hell happened here?

BigMikeinKC · 10-19-2010, 07:59 AM

The supreme court said corporations are people.

Since the Senate or the House are suppose to represent the people in their State or district, how about if they can only accept donations from people in their areas?

Why should someone outside of my state have the ability to influence how the race for "my representative" turns out?

Give the power back to the people!

dirty dog · 10-19-2010, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigMikeinKC

The supreme court said corporations are people.

Since the Senate or the House are suppose to represent the people in their State or district, how about if they can only accept donations from people in their areas?

Why should someone outside of my state have the ability to influence how the race for "my representative" turns out?

Give the power back to the people!

Mike hit the nail on the head, in happens on both sides of the fence. The political system is and has been out of control for ever and all we can do is sit back and watch it self distruct as we pay them to do it. Maybe Wellendowed will have a solution for you Cat, I am sure he wil equate it somehow to Slavery as he did his last thread. I dont want to hijack the thread, I think my has the answer to your question. Peace.

Cheaper2buyit · 10-19-2010, 08:08 PM

the only thing I can do is do nothing not give 1 cent to any party unless its a strip party

CuteOldGuy · 10-19-2010, 11:41 PM

Full and immediate disclosure of all donations. If a corporation or union or PAC or similar group wants to give money to a candidate, publish the names of all who fund that particular group. We might be surprised.

Slightly off-topic, and slightly tongue-in-cheek, why shouldn't foreign money be allowed in campaigns? We depend on a lot of foreign countries to fund our national debt, maybe they are just looking out for their investment. Call them "fund managers" instead of "campaign contributions." (Don't flame me, you know I'm kidding.)

john_galt · 10-20-2010, 02:23 AM

Foreign money is already illegal. The problem is that the penalties are not severe enough to deter anyone. Look at Al Gore, Buddhist temple money (from monks with a vow of poverty), no penalty other than embarrassment. The Clintons, China, Charlie Trie, and the mailman with 320,000 dollars to contribute. It was only a few weeks ago that anyone was sentenced for these crimes and it wasn't Bill or Hillary. Penalties should be draconian; life time ban from working in politics, campaign loses all the money plus of penalty of twice the amount.

I don't know your source but it is my understanding that union donations are about $145 million compared to 80 million from the Chamber of Commerce and the CoC has shown that foreign money makes up about 1/2 of 1 percent of their money. It was the Obama crew that had the mechanism turned off in 2008 that would have flagged any foreign donations. Hillary said hers was broken. *tisk*

catnipdipper · 10-20-2010, 07:36 AM

How many Unions are there with how many members vs 1 National Chamber of Commerce? They are plenty of other organizations taking anonymous money and flooding a campaign. How does a congressional candidate in South Dakota raise $14.6 million when the state barely has 600,000 people?

These are no longer local contests they are seats up for sale and you wonder how they will vote?

dirty dog · 10-20-2010, 09:39 AM

Seats for sale, I think that came to light in Chicago didn't it. I am sure that Illinois is not the only place that kind of stuff happens. Our whole system is for sale and bought and paid for by companies and the rich on both sides. I think its time for an organized military revolution. John Galt please organize this and lead the first assult, I am behind you........................... .......... way behind you LOL.

Longermonger · 10-20-2010, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CuteOldGuy

Full and immediate disclosure of all donations. If a corporation or union or PAC or similar group wants to give money to a candidate, publish the names of all who fund that particular group. We might be surprised.

Sunshine. That's always been the answer, followed closely by verification.

I think we all know what the Chamber of Commerce says is just what the Chamber of Commerce says until it can be verified. (Support for the CoC is odd considering many of the supporters are Birthers. But that's a little different...Obama's birth certificate has been verified by Hawaiian state officials from both parties.) What's the Chamber of Commerce hiding? All they need to do is crack open the books to get the whole situation to go away. Maybe they're afraid that their political clout has "Made in China" stamped on the bottom.