I've had this feeling for a while that the political system in the United States has been corrupted by special interests...people with money...that are able to influence the system to their benefit vs. what is in the best interest of the American people as a whole. The feeling I've had is one of helplessness...that my wishes or that of any other individual has no influence whatsoever on what is done by our governmental representatives that were supposedly elected to represent us.
So, while reading through a blog of one of favorite commentators of late, Caitlin Johnstone I came across the following post of hers:
In that post she references the following youtube video from represent.us...an organization with I was not familiar. Very interesting...about a Princeton University study showing just that...that my opinion/wishes/desires have no impact of any significance on what government does while those with money/power/influence in the system have a significant influence. Not a surprise but, a confirmation of what I already knew.
So...I went to their website represent.us (which curiously was indicated as UNSAFE by my web browser...like something scary was gonna happen if I went there...they were going to steal my identity or the NSA was going to watch me or something but I was curious enough to forge on). Very very interesting indeed, It seems like others have had the same feeling...and are doing something about it. What do they do? They "bring together conservatives, progressives, and everyone in between to pass powerful anti-corruption laws that stop the political bribery, end secret money, and fix our broken elections." Well, that sounds great. They have another video explaining their plan:
More info here: The American Anti-Corruption Act
This isn't necessarily an endorsement...I need to do some more research about their proposals but, it is along the lines of exactly what I have been thinking: a complete reformation/transformation of the way the American political process is funded. Get the special interests with big money out and limit what any one individual can put into the process. It's nor really rocket science but, something in which the status quo is not interested.
Anyway, something for you to ponder this week...and possibly a way in which positive action can be taken.
Best regards
No comments:
Post a Comment