Thread: Wanna solve almost all our national problems? Then change campaign finance rules.

More useless ranting about the symptoms while ignoring the underlying disease.

Originally Posted by Taxcutter

More useless ranting about the symptoms while ignoring the underlying disease.

“Wherever the real power in a government lies, there is the danger of oppression, and in this nation, the real power lies in the majority of the community.” - James Madison

I'd say James Madison has it closest. A decidedly anti-populist stance I'd say.

The majority of the very society we live in is irredeemably corrupted by Government benevolence and demands ever greater benevolence at the cost of oppressing others.

Originally Posted by merc

It really IS that simple.

Have all of our state and national representatives and elected officials funded from a single fund which equally distributes money from contributors anonymously.

What could be more fair than that and what could be done which would make our officials think solely of what is best for us and the country.... rather than some union or special interest group which gave them millions to get them elected.

So all I would have to do is announce I am a candidate for President and the government will send me the same amount of money as they would send to Obama???

WHERE DO I SIGN UP!!!

Institute the flat tax or fair tax.
Stop the myriad of government senseless regulations.
Repeal the 17th amendment.

That would do more to take the money influence out of politics than anything.

That being said why do you oppose free speech which being able to contribute to the candidate of your choice and NOT contributing to those you choose not to is.

Speech is verbal, money is material. Words will get you appreciation, but money will buy you favors, and it does.


Are you really so naive as to believe if I tell the waiter he did a good job (for a tip), that he will be just as attentive to my needs the next time I eat there, as the guy who tipped him $100 bill? Not likely!

Originally Posted by JoeSixpack

Speech is verbal, money is material. Words will get you appreciation, but money will buy you favors, and it does.


Are you really so naive as to believe if I tell the waiter he did a good job (for a tip), that he will be just as attentive to my needs the next time I eat there, as the guy who tipped him $100 bill? Not likely!

It has been my experience the the big tippers are usually the ones who are least memorable. The lady who empty's her plate on the table so her kid can play doesn't leave a tip. The ones who make the biggest messes leave the smallest tips.

Originally Posted by JoeSixpack

Speech is verbal, money is material. Words will get you appreciation, but money will buy you favors, and it does.

And money is speech according the courts, we express who we support by our donations to support their candidcy. No one has a right to a dime of any ones money in order to run for elective office and the government has no business engaging in it.
Are you really so naive as to believe if I tell the waiter he did a good job (for a tip), that he will be just as attentive to my needs the next time I eat there, as the guy who tipped him $100 bill? Not likely![/QUOTE]

But do tell me the candidates you have voted for because they spent the most money.

Originally Posted by Bluesguy

And money is speech according the courts, we express who we support by our donations to support their candidcy. No one has a right to a dime of any ones money in order to run for elective office and the government has no business engaging in it.


But do tell me the candidates you have voted for because they spent the most money.

The courts are not infallible, and the current courts are split on party line BS just like the rest of the government, more than ever before. They are bias and well funded to be that away. This isn't the way our system of government was set up but that is the way it has become when it was infiltrated by deep pockets and corporate sock puppets.


I agree the government shouldn't be funding any campaign, it's a ridiculous prospect, but money accepted by a politician by anyone who cannot cast a legitimate vote for that candidate should be illegal, and considered bribery or at least an attempt to purchase a favor from an elected official by an outside party. We have foreign countries and businesses buttering the palms of politicians with impunity to the point they don't even know or care who their real constituents are, or who they actually represent in the office they assume.


In this country you will be taxed for leaving your children money that has already been taxed, but it is only considered tax free if you give it to your legal spouse or a political party. This is how dysfunctional our government has become. The two party system is destroying the legitimacy of our country's political landscape. They control it, before the people can even use their voice, and it is for sale to the highest bidder, purchased right before our very eyes, with little to no consequences.


NOBODY should be allowed to donate money to a politician they cannot cast a legal vote for, period. So that means corporations/businesses/unions, foreign nations, and yes even special interest groups should be exempt from interfering with or tampering with an election.


Tell me a candidate you voted for who didn't spend enough money?

Originally Posted by JoeSixpack

NOBODY should be allowed to donate money to a politician they cannot cast a legal vote for, period. So that means corporations/businesses/unions, foreign nations, and yes even special interest groups should be exempt from interfering with or tampering with an election.

So much for freedom of assembly then.

Originally Posted by Bluesguy

So much for freedom of assembly then.

Where did you get that? So you are saying if a politician can only get funding from the individuals that can actually cast a vote for them, the right to assemble is taken away?