| With the recent turmoil in our economy, the | | | | need to raise money from "supporters", to try to |
| uncertainties shown on Wall Street, and the | | | | truly change things. But such efforts on any |
| inconsistent if not blatantly "disconnected" thinking | | | | "individual" basis is also simply in vain!! Any solution |
| we find in our elected officials; do you ever | | | | will require a CHANGE in the way ALL our elected |
| wonder just why things are going wrong?? Well, I | | | | officials are chosen. |
| have always felt that it is because once a person | | | | So, how can this be done?? |
| decides to enter public service and face our | | | | There could be a host of methods... but ALL |
| political system, that person immediately becomes | | | | MUST eliminate the need for acquiring campaign |
| a "victim" in that he/she is required to seek | | | | funds. |
| monetary support in order to pursue their political | | | | First, we obviously have an overwhelming ability |
| goals (no matter how "noble" or "pure" they are | | | | these days to "host" all the necessary |
| initially). It is a simply a matter of fact, | | | | campaigning through the mammoth media |
| precipitated by human nature, that campaign | | | | network we have...TV, Radio, Internet, Print, |
| contributors "EXPECT a RETURN on their | | | | etc,etc... |
| INVESTMENT". So when one accepts money in | | | | A system similar as has been done with "Pres. |
| support of their campaign, there comes with it an | | | | & VP Debates" could be expanded upon and |
| "IOU for that expectation" which will inevitably be | | | | developed on both local and national levels with |
| "called in". | | | | the time and cost being paid for by advertisers |
| So how can anyone, then, expect a politician to | | | | (as is always done anyway). ALL Candidates |
| act and/or make decisions with a clear reliance on | | | | would be allocated equal time and opportunity to |
| simply the facts or whatever may be in the best | | | | discuss issues and their platforms in all the media |
| interest of the constituents?? It simply can't and | | | | outlets. No need for "handshaking", baby-kissing, |
| won't happen! | | | | and buying $3,000 plate dinners. I have always felt |
| Until we find a way to get our elected officials | | | | that they were ridiculous in the first place. Most |
| into office without having "sold away their souls" it | | | | importantly, there would be no need for any |
| will never happen. I often thought that it was | | | | candidate to "obligate" oneself for any "IOU" |
| admirable for individuals like Ross Perot and | | | | promised for campaign money!! |
| Malcolm Forbes, who ostensibly could afford to | | | | Maybe then we cure the "injustice" of our political |
| run for office with their own funds and did not | | | | system.... and get things back on the right track. |