The cost of electing our representatives in Washington is a travesty; wasted money which could have been used for the needs of our nation. No greater proof that Citizens United is a travesty can be offered than the fact that now that Donald Trump is the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party, he is asking for campaign contributions from the Republican elite.
It was reported that Trump used 40 million dollars of his own fortune for the primaries; he believes that he will need as much as 1.5 billion dollars for his presidential campaign. Really?
If Hillary Clinton matches Trump’s desired amount, that equals three billion dollars. Most Americans cannot understand how much money that is. The working class has no comparison for the impact of a billion dollars.
Consider this; why are political parties willing to spend billions of dollars to buy elections for their party’s candidates? If elections were only about the issues, and electing the best candidate; one who would support and serve the majority of our nation’s people; very little money would be needed to finance a campaign. Elections are no longer about serving the American people. Candidates seek election to advance their personal lives, and then, of course, obtain power over others.
Only two of 535 Congressman who have served a minimum of two terms in Washington are not millionaires. Does this in any way sound like the intention of our founding fathers? I cannot imagine that they believed those who would represent our nation’s 320+ million people would become wealthy from their ‘service.’ I am certain they would not approve of those we elect receiving superior health care and retirement benefits than the voting public. I doubt that they ever considered the term ‘professional politician.’ Congress has become members of the elite and privileged. They have little or no concern for the needs of the American people. The latest estimate regarding the actual hours spent each week working for the American people is approximately twenty.
The right wing supports candidates who are immoral, unqualified, and a danger to the United States of America, solely for the benefit of the party; the American people be damned.
Trump is facing obstacles securing what he believes is the necessary funding to challenge Hillary Clinton. Mark Holden, chairman of the Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, a Koch brothers campaign finance shield, said the following:
“If during the general election cycle, a candidate was able to garner support from the public with a positive message in support of the issues we care about, and did not engage in personal attacks and mudslinging, we would consider potentially getting involved,” Mr. Holden said. “That hasn’t happened yet, and there is no indication that this will happen given the current tone and tenor of the various campaigns.”
Karl Rove, the evil mastermind behind the George W. Bush Administration, and executive of American Crossroads, revealed similar opinions.
Both groups have indicated that they plan to spend their money on Republicans seeking to win in the Senate; allowing continued control by the GOP.
Looking at the calendar, it appears that November 8th is a long way in the future. For political campaigns, that is far from the truth. Every day lost failing to attain its goals adds to the degree of difficulty for winning the White House.
Even the owners of the Republican Party have difficulty with the idea of a Trump presidency; and that’s the truth.
Op-Ed
By James Turnage
The Truth With No Restrictions 