Guess the individual doesn't matter any more

[apb]

the real problem in America today is not money or who is contributing money--it is how few people vote....

Yes and no. I think its more that too few informed people vote. By that I mean people who have examined the candidates and the issues enough to form an opinion of each. If you really have to be persuaded to get out and vote or can't be bothered cause its raining right now, you probably shouldn't be voting. I'm afraid now of seeing less informed folks voting and more people being subjected to miss information in order to sway the vote in one direction or another.

... The other side of what I have said for many years is that America does not pay its elected representatives ENOUGH. It is rediculous that we pay our Presient only $400,000 and the rest only $187,000 a year and a coach that theaches a game can make millions per year and I won't even go into what entertainers and others make.
... I know it will never happen but the solution is to pay politicans comenserate with their importance and then DO NOT ALLOW THEM TO TAKE ANY MONEY FROM ANYONE ELSE. Make them all USE ONLY AN ALLOTED AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR COMPAIGNING that is paid for by the government. Each similiar candate gets the same amount...

I agree with you on this part. May be we can tie their salaries to how well the country is doing?

...Special interests could pay for any advertizements they want to help or hurt a particular candidate but couuld't give directly to any political entity.

I agree with not allowing special interests giving directly to any political entity. Likewise, special interests trying to sway the vote in their favor, no. Again, the way the SC rejected McCain/Finegold it is unclear whether a foreign entity (either company or government) could set up a company in the US and then funnel money to ads as you suggest. It's a government of the people, by the people, for the people. The first amendment issue is bogus in this case. Any citizen of any organization, be it a corporation, church, union, can, as an individual, vote for those who they want to represent them in public office. Each individual on those orgainzation already has a voice in government. We do not need any special interest group trying to influence elections to favor their particular interest. That puts too much power in the hands of a few, encourages corruption, and takes away from the voice of the individual.

Andrew

[Rock_Fish]

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