If you have ever given to a political organization, you know all too well that it turns into an avalanche of emails and texts with the sole purpose of asking for money.
Why?
Because voters are mostly influenced by what they see, read, or hear on mass media of some kind. We are nothing but trained monkeys looking at screens and taking in content designed to coerce you into voting for them, and no method is to extreme. In fact, the more extreme the better. You have to "get attention", "hold attention" (for at least 30 seconds), and "pound them with something that moves their emotions" so they will take action.
What does it take to do that? You got it ace! MONEY! And lots of it.
Growing up, my US House of Representative was William Natcher. He served in that role for a very long time. He never raised a dime. Didn't have to. Those were different times. Those were the days when dignity, integrity, and decency were valued. Although politics has always had its fair share of mud slinging, once people got into office, they pretty much calmed down and just did their jobs, which is, finding the best way to get something done.
Today, American politics is a media side show. If you aren't outraged and don't get on TV showing your offense as if it was a crime against humanity you have no influence. The jerks have the floor today. The noise makers are the ones the cameras focus in on, because it is no longer news they are looking for, but entertainment. Anything to keep those ratings high. So, put on some stupid hat, act like an idiot and the media will love you.
Above all of that is the "Power of Gold". It is called "The Golden Rule" for a reason. Whoever has the gold, makes the rules.
Citizens United has opened the door to massive corruption in our government. Huge amounts of money are being spent in otherwise unknown places because it will buy a seat in congress. They flood the airwaves with attack ads and phony 'strong' ads, talking about whatever to control the minds of the innocent person who is just barely getting by. They buy what entertains them the most, that is it.
How does this get solved? We can't just go on spending billions of dollars on campaigns regardless of whether you win or lose. I guess you could make the argument that it 'stimulates' the economy in a way, but seriously, do we really believe that blowing money on these campaigns is a good use of those resources?
What is more disturbing is that it is taking money from people who may not necessarily be able to afford it. On one hand you have these PACs slopping around millions and funneling it down any politician's throats who will do their bidding, or the other you have Grandma who can barely afford her medication but wants a certain candidate or party to win. It isn't a fair fight, and it is an expensive one.
One thing is for sure...somebody gives you millions of dollars for your campaign you are going to do whatever they want you to do. It is no longer about the people you represent, it is about the influence of the rich and powerful that get represented, and their concerns have little to do with the everyday Tom, Dick, and Harriet.
It has become really ugly in America. The question is, "Is American Democracy bankrupting America?" Not only financially, but also ethically, and morally? Has the money in politics created what American Democracy was designed to prevent, the influence of the few over the many, the wealthy over the poor, and the powerful influencer over the individual? Is the 'Little Guy' being used like a pawn on a chess board for the sake of the "King"?
The truth is, yes. Americans are being gutted by this. The soul of this country is being sold to the highest bidder and the gullible serfs are all for it.
The other problem is what do you do if you want to run for office and don't have millions at your beck and call? It is one thing to win an election in a small geographic area around New York City. It is quite another to run for that same office in Kentucky, or other relatively sparsely populated place. Kentucky isn't a big state by American standards, but it is huge if you are running for office.
If you do 'oppose the machine candidates' you are ostracized for it in public, and on top of that, you will probably lose, your business will get hurt by it, and your family will suffer as well. Who needs it? Right? In essence, by creating this battleground the outcome is already determined, so why run? That is what is happening.
What is the way out of this? Honestly, I only see one way out of it. If you want to see this abuse of power stopped, you have to be a part of the solution. Not by donating, not by making phone calls or knocking on doors, but by taking a little bit of time and being a part of the movement to get back to normal. Presence not protests. Calm not hysterical. Reasoned, not irrational.
Why?
Because when you show up, you win. The reason why all of this money is being used is because the parties and candidates are trying to reach out to you, touch you, convince you, and to seduce you into voting for them. It is disconnection that is causing the spending. It is a lot easier, and better, for the people to come to the cause than it is for the cause to come to the people.
If you don't want people calling you or knocking on your door, be present. Show up. Spend a little time to preserve our democracy and stop the bankruptcy that is happening. Only then will it be possible to find those courageous few to run for office and have a chance to win.
Like I always say, this unedited post is a thought experiment. I'm just getting my thoughts on "paper."