If low and middle-class American's want to truly be

[WestSeattle2]

represented in Washington D.C., campaign finance reform is what we all should be pushing. How many posts have you read recently on DU about how "we fought so hard to elect Democrats, for what?!"

Exactly. For what? When politicians are beholden to deep pockets, guess whose interests they really represent? Until campaigns are publicly financed, the vast majority of American's have no congressional representation.

The current practice of Congress handing out tax breaks to campaign donors, lobbyists writing self-serving legislation, corporations hiring family members of politicians at inflated salaries, and the revolving door between Wall Street and the White House, are all indicative of the deep entrenchment of greed, graft, and corruption that is destroying America.

Of course Congress will have to be forced by the public to implement any real campaign finance reform. They absolutely love the power and attention they receive from the deep pockets. In the world of political prostitution, they consider themselves highly paid escorts, not mere street walkers. The rest of us really see no difference.

Forget single-payer health care; single-payer campaign finance will produce a level playing field far beyond just health care.

[Laelth]

1. We'll have to overturn a Supreme Court case.

It will take several more appointments to the Supreme Court to do that.

The Supreme Court has ruled that money = speech, and those with more money get more speech. Until that case is overturned, it will be difficult to pass a Constitutional campaign finance law.

Besides, there's no real will in Congress to pass such a law. The very people who would or could vote for such a thing have already been bought by interests who have no desire to change the current system.

While I agree reform is needed, I can't see how to do it.

:dem:

-Laelth

[WestSeattle2]

3. When the demands for reform reach critical mass and the

pitchforks are at the gate, Congress will respond. They can always find ways out of, or around, seemingly impossible obstacles.

This one issue is the key to leveling the playing field, yet it's just not on enough radar screens.

Will it happen anytime soon? Hell no. I'm just saying that far too many people seem to be shocked and surprised to see our best interests sold down the river, and my response is "why are they surprised?"

[Laelth]

4. I agree. Personally, I get angry, but I am seldom surprised. n/t

:dem:

-Laelth

[no bad days]

2. Campaign finance reform.........

Blocks groups like green peace etc. (my only political voice) from running ads 30 days prior to an election. I don't see any sense in that.

[Laelth]

5. Welcome to DU.

:dem:

-Laelth

[unblock]

6. if poor people wanted representation in congress they'd donate millions like the wealthy do

:sarcasm:

[jberryhill]

7. Ummm... low class America? Speak for yourself /nt