Campaign Financing Fiasco

Politics

Sure was a busy week for the Supreme Court last week.

They ruled that Guns are Okay, and a host of other issues, one of which is that they struck down another Campaign Finance Reform Act. This one dealt with how Non Millionaire Candidates could raise additional funds, to compete with people who were supposedly financing their own campaign. The Mitt Romney’s for example, who supposedly dumped about $40 Million of his own money into his failed bid to be the Republican Presidential Nominee, who might be the Vice Presidential Nominee, if rumors are true.

Fact is, the Law they struck down allowed for increased contribution limits to those candidates who weren’t Millionaires, and who weren’t financing their own campaign. In striking it down, the Supreme Court ruled that it was Unfair to the Millionaires who were running.

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down the “millionaire’s amendment” as an unfair way to help opponents of wealthy candidates who spend from their personal fortunes. (source - MSNBC News)

I agree, it is unfair, but then why should someone be penalized because they didn’t make a few million bucks either? Seriously, isn’t part of the so called American Dream, is that any person can aspire to become President? Yet, take a look at how much money has been spent by both party candidates just to get the Nomination. HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, and there were some pretty good Millionaires in the race too. Mitt Romney comes to mind.

Given how much money is being spent on these campaigns, and how much money is being raised by the various Candidates, isn’t anyone worried about it? I mean think for a moment, how vulnerable these Candidates become when so much cash is needed to make a run for Political Office. For anyone to believe that their won’t be a Day of Judgment is just being NAIVE.

When they wind up disappointing us, or worse, get elected when they haven’t a clue how to LEAD, we are the one’s who suffer. You sure don’t see the big shot Multi Millionaires suffering today, now do you? Yet they ELECTED GEORGE BUSH.  Think about it, the Oil Industry made a President, and today the US is mired in a War in Iraq, and Oil Industry Profits are going through the roof, while you are paying OVER $4 A GALLON.

Yet the Supreme Court continues to knock down laws, designed to create a more level playing field for all citizens who want to seek Political Office. Don’t forget, they have knocked down the Third Party Ads earlier. Americans do a lot of talking about wanting a ‘level playing field’ and yet here when it comes to choosing it’s political leaders, it is ANYTHING BUT LEVEL.

Term Limits were supposed to end the benefit Incumbent Candidates had, but that hasn’t worked very well, now has it? Instead it has taken away experienced leaders in some cases, but has simply also brought in more LOBBYISTS to help GREASE THE WHEELS OF GOVERNMENT. The result has been a decline in real Government, in real solutions to the growing litany of problems besetting the Nation.

The answer has to be to either limit campaign spending, make it all public financed, or simply keep on electing the likes of George Bush. Myself, I favor a reform that simply overhauls the entire process. I think that NO ONE should be given free reign on spending, whether from Business, Unions, or Individuals. It should be REGULATED, and that should INCLUDE PERSONAL WEALTH.  In short, Bill Gates should not be allowed to use his personal wealth to run for office, if he wanted to. He should be held to the same funding rules, and that SHOULD INCLUDE PERSONAL LOANS, CONTRIBUTIONS.

Ian @ July 2, 2008