RNC Decides to Finish Destroying Democracy
There are headlines that are so jaw-dropping in their implications that they stop you cold in your tracks. Then, when you try to tell others about them, talking about them doesn't work. You just have to share them, and wait for the other person to stop cold in their tracks as well.
So, here you go:
Republican National Committee Files Brief Seeking To Allow Corporate Funding of Campaigns
Yep -- you read that right. The RNC, those wonderful lovers of our form of government, have asked the Supreme Court to EXPAND the Citizens United decision to allow corporations to donate directly to campaigns. And to give as much as they want. With no limits.
If that hasn't caused you to mutter amazed expletives to yourself, try these numbers:
- The total cost of the 2008 Presidential campaign for EVERYONE -- both candidates, PACs, 527s, you name it -- was $5.3 billion.
- Citigroup's gross profit for 2011 was $60 billion.
In other words, ONE COMPANY could underwrite the entire campaign of any presidential candidate it chose -- and not even breathe hard.
I try -- I really try -- to be charitable to Republicans most of the time. But this is one of the most dangerous ideas any so-called political party has ever come up with, and it deserves to be shouted down by people from every side of the aisle.
Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 10:09PM
Reader Comments (1)
I agree, Bruce. This is deplorable. But to be up on the whole story, I found these quotes as well:
"Romney raised $24 million during the last quarter of 2011, according to his campaign. President Barack Obama's re-election campaign and the Democratic National Committee together amassed $68 million in the same period."
Three times as much? Doesn't sound like he's having any trouble with fundraising.
"Some Democrats worry that their super PACs won't be able to keep pace with the Republicans' easy access to wealthy corporate coffers — although Democrats have had no trouble raising money in recent national elections."
So... apparently, the Dems have their own super PACS, right? So both sides have super PACS. But, the Dems, they're just wondering if they can keep up. So, if they can't keep up with the Repubs, then that's when the situation becomes wrong?
Not trying to rile you. I understand what you're saying here. What the Repubs did... totally wrong. Personally, I think the law should read that all contributions to any election campaign are completely illegal.
Money has been electing people in this nation for a long time. In both parties. You know that, and I know that.
This country is in a mess, and we all know it. And yet we continue to believe our finite minds are more capable of finding solutions to our problems, and fixing the errors of our ways, than the wisdom of an infinite God.
The great levels of "intelligence" in this country are taking us... where?
Good post, Bruce. Keep writing.