Can a chump like me ever have a legitimate shot at running for public office? It may be sad but in reality my chances are slim to none and slim just left the building. In recent weeks, Ive read and heard about candidates on both sides of the political spectrum whove resigned from their campaigns and primary challenges against party endorsed candidates. In Minnesota, Ford Bell resigned from his U.S. Senate campaign challenge against Amy Klobuchar the DFL endorsed candidate. Bell cited lack of funds as his reason for resigning from the campaign. This is another sad story of dollars for democracy in our nation. The average person like you and me doesnt have a good chance of running for political office. If our party endorses well known candidates, youre done and they might as well stick a fork in you. I believe that every American should have a chance of entering politics and bringing their values, insights and experiences into the public arena. The problem is that it seems that the powers to be in America only care about ritzy, glossy and fickle campaigns where millions of greenbacks are exchanged but real issues that effect Americans are bi-passed. I believe that most Americans want a fair system, where money doesnt come into play and interest groups cant dictate the future of this countys politics. Its time to greatly limit campaign funding from corporations, individuals and interest groups. I believe in limiting funding to $25 per individual and $50 per corporation/interest group. We should also limit campaign spending and limit the length of an election to 60 days. Another solution would be to allow candidates to receive funding from a federal campaign agency. Each person would receive the same amount of funding if that candidate is certified. To be certified the candidate would need to receive a minimum amount of endorsements from constituents. What ever the solution is, it should eliminate a system where the rich prosper in politics and the poor continue to be pummeled, trounced and beaten up. Most people know me as a conservative and I am. I believe in fairness, hard work, morality and ethics. To me, the system of dollars for politics is evil and immoral. Its disgraceful that the greenback dictates public policy. Our forefathers fought for democracy and freedom but it seems that the oligarchs of our society want total control of everything and everyone. Many Americans accept the system because they dont believe that they can make a difference. That couldn't be further from the truth as Minnesotans found out a few years back when they elected Jesse Ventura. The public could send a strong message by shocking the DFL and GOP by electing independent candidates. If we did this enough, our government would be forced to listen to the people. We all can make a difference but we have to get off our duff and do something about the things we dislike. Im to blame as well. All I do is vent in my articles and tell everyone else to get out there and make a difference. Maybe its time for me to get out there as well. |
