http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2014/10/now_its_government_of_the_mone.html#incart_hbx#incart_best-of
Now it's government of the money, by the money and for the money: Gary Zimmerman
By Gary Zimmerman
Many of us have felt that the wealthy and special business interests get their way more often than average citizens. Now, we have hard statistical evidence.
That comes from a new paper by Martin Givens of Princeton University and Benjamin Page of Northwestern University -- "Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens."
The two researchers used statistical analysis on 1,779 different surveys of American opinion over 21 years.
The major finding: "Not only do ordinary citizens not have uniquely substantial power over policy decisions: they have little or no independent influence on policy at all." Those with the largest influence are economic elites and interest groups representing business.
Money (campaign financing) buys access. Access buys influence. Even if there is no direct quid pro quo, candidates absorb the views of those with access.
Recent Senate action demonstrates how perverse our politics has become. S.J. Resolution 19, a proposed Constitutional amendment has three simple principles:
By that logic, Congress should never debate serious matters during campaign season! The sad part: most of the press and major news networks didn't even report on it (C-SPAN did).
Digging deeper, it's really about the money.
I've had a running "dialogue" with U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., on campaign finance laws for over two years. Twice he filibustered the Disclose Act. He won't tell me why.
I've tried three times to get U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta's position on the Government by the People Act (more than 146 sponsors from both parties in the House). No position taken.
When I asked Toomey why he filibustered the Senate version, he replied that "...it would limit public speech during elections." So, Mr. Toomey wants to protect wealthy/corporate public speech, even if that drowns out average citizens.
The Republican Party of today wants government of the money, by the money, and for the money.
Another famous Republican, Abraham Lincoln, expressed a much nobler concept.
Gary Zimmerman writes from Lower Paxton Twp.
Many of us have felt that the wealthy and special business interests get their way more often than average citizens. Now, we have hard statistical evidence.
That comes from a new paper by Martin Givens of Princeton University and Benjamin Page of Northwestern University -- "Testing Theories of American Politics: Elites, Interest Groups, and Average Citizens."
The two researchers used statistical analysis on 1,779 different surveys of American opinion over 21 years.
The major finding: "Not only do ordinary citizens not have uniquely substantial power over policy decisions: they have little or no independent influence on policy at all." Those with the largest influence are economic elites and interest groups representing business.
Money (campaign financing) buys access. Access buys influence. Even if there is no direct quid pro quo, candidates absorb the views of those with access.
No wonder income inequality has been worsening for the past 35 years.
Money (campaign financing) buys access. Access buys influence.
Just two examples: 60 percent of the giveaways from our federal tax code benefit those with incomes in the top 20 percent; capital gains (which are taxed at lower rates than labor) are the income choices of the ultra-rich. Recent Senate action demonstrates how perverse our politics has become. S.J. Resolution 19, a proposed Constitutional amendment has three simple principles:
- Congress and the States may regulate and set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections
- Congress and the States may distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law
- Congress or the States shall not abridge the freedom of the press
By that logic, Congress should never debate serious matters during campaign season! The sad part: most of the press and major news networks didn't even report on it (C-SPAN did).
Digging deeper, it's really about the money.
I've had a running "dialogue" with U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., on campaign finance laws for over two years. Twice he filibustered the Disclose Act. He won't tell me why.
I've tried three times to get U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta's position on the Government by the People Act (more than 146 sponsors from both parties in the House). No position taken.
When I asked Toomey why he filibustered the Senate version, he replied that "...it would limit public speech during elections." So, Mr. Toomey wants to protect wealthy/corporate public speech, even if that drowns out average citizens.
The Republican Party of today wants government of the money, by the money, and for the money.
Another famous Republican, Abraham Lincoln, expressed a much nobler concept.
Gary Zimmerman writes from Lower Paxton Twp.
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