Campaign Finance Reform? Is it possible?

[kentuck]

Everybody knows we need it. However, it would probably be more difficult to pass than healthcare reform. These snakes in Washington are not about to give up their gravy train.

They have spent a year now watering down healthcare reform to the point that it is not reform at all. It is something else entirely. Mostly it is a sop to the insurance and drug companies.

Nothing has been done to regulate the big banks that came very close to destroying the world economy. They are making more money than ever. Insurance companies are still exempt from the anti-trust laws. Wall Street is doing great.

The politicians in Washington, that we voted for, are incapable of doing anything for fear of pissing off one of their big money contributors. It would have been much better if the Congress had passed Campaign Finance Reform before they tackled healthcare. This money has corrupted our political system and it will not be fixed until we take out these big contributions.

[C_Lawyer09]

1. Strongly agree Kentuck

Campaign Finance reform, and close the corporate tax loopholes. Campaign finance reform, in my humble opinion will not be possible under our current two party system. Access to ballots at the state level, and equal debate time, must not be hamstrung by a corporate board, and arbitrary rules that limit access. There is a reason why John Anderson (I)IL. was able to garner 15% of the primary vote in 1980. Can you imagine what a charismatic unbought politician could do, were the playing field level?

[CrispyQ]

2. While I agree with what you say, it's not just Washington who benefits from the status quo.

The media makes millions on campaign ads. You know they will be spinning campaign finance reform in the worst possible way. And that won't be too difficult. Our population, who have been so brain washed to hate & fear taxes, will swallow the spin that their tax dollars are just going to be spent on extravagant campaign budgets - think $150k for Palin's wardrobe. In addition, campaign finance reform will be for naught if we don't take on the electronic voting machines.

While these are worthy goals to work toward, I worry that our republic has already been so compromised, that I question if we can make the necessary changes within the current system. I personally feel a level of demoralization & hopelessness that I haven't felt in decades.

[jakefrep]

3. As long as our courts treat campaign finance as a "free speech" issue...

reform won't get anywhere. I fear that the Citizens United ruling will undo many of the restrictions that currently exist.