Yup the title says it all. From the Republican household I grew up in in New York City to the 1960’s radical to the reliably Democratic voter, and now to espousing a “pox on both their houses.”
I’m going to keep this post brief without a summary of how the parties morphed and changed over the years. No, I’d prefer to focus on one major decision of the Supreme Court: Citizens United. In that one decision, the court ruled that limits on the political contributions of corporations and unions were contrary to the Free Speech Clause in the Constitution. Allow me to cut to the chase, ace – want to buy a politician? Sign on the dotted line of the check. Leave the spot for the amount blank…we’ll fill it in later.
The decision doesn’t guarantee the buying of a candidate. No, it’s only incipient in the underlying philosophy. But with modern-day campaigns costing massive amounts, it’s only a matter of time from cashing the first check to granting increased access, to offering enhanced constituent services, and on to sponsoring legislation that supports a generous donor. I suspect that these days political purchases make the old boys in New York ( Tammany Hall, the Tweed Ring, and such) just two-bit pikers.
Insofar as I am able, I’ll be investigating who funds the candidates I’ll vote for. Is a candidate who states he or she is truly their own person truthful? Or does the listing of contributions tell another story?
After all, you aren’t lured to the dark side in one step…you can take baby steps. But after a while, what will remains of political independence when they are all available to the highest bidder?
My advice? If at all possible, check what individuals, organizations, unions, and corporations are contributing to the candidate. If possible, check who the major contributors are. I am only myself starting on the journey of exploring these things, and I’ll have lots to discover. Am I implying one party in this? No. As I’ve said, “pox on both their houses!” Scrutinize them all – Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and any other.
Discover more from Louis N. Carreras, Woodcarver
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Funny I should see this first thing as I get a minute to read. I’m 100% with you on this. Follow the money. It’s an unpleasant world when you can buy the right to do harm.
It’s a new “gilded age” with Robber Barons galore.
I am right there with you on this one and the pox on both their houses.
Yep. As has been said over and over, everyone has a price.
That’s right! And right over there is Bob…available at a special introductory rate!
Step right up, step right up!!!
I don’t. There’s something sleazy about Bob. I’ve heard the rumors.
That’s all right! To his left, we have Harriet, Ted, and Tony!
None of them have a dog. See what I’m saying?
Hmmmmm…..but they say they like them…and would like them more for a thousand dollars!
🤣
I absolutely agree, Lou! Not just politicians, but our whole culture of buying the opportunity for harm. Ecological damage, economical failures, failures in housing, food, healthcare, all approved by politicians who owe their livelihood to the people and corporations paying them off. It’s a sick cycle and I see no signs of change, which is disheartening.
It is more than a bit Kafkaesque.