Pay to Play the U.S. Way

Thu Anon Coward writes "There's an article on CNN.com that finally shows proof that corporations actually demand access to politicians for contributing $$$. And that political parties promise access based on how much the corporations "donate". Microsoft donated money on the condition that they be seated next to "Sen. (Paul) Coverdell or leadership, Commerce Committee or Judiciary Committee," according to a GOP memo. The memo added Microsoft did not want to sit with Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a major critic." How can we fight this? Write letters to the companies saying we won't buy their products because of their undue influence? You think the politicians will actually listen if we write them instead?" The campaign finance debate is probably the most important political issue in the U.S. right now. You should pay attention, even if you hate politics.

Comments

Getting Paid

[smokin_juan]

If politicians are getting paid by corporations, why do they need to vote themselves an increased salary every fucking year. When's the last time those pricks took a pay CUT. If a pay cut is fine, dandy, and standard for we serfs... There are three possibilities - Fight it like they did over two hundred years ago, ignore it and be part of the problem, or quit contributing by getting the fuck out. Your answer is due before the police state arrives... DOH!

Re:Interesting that it focusses so much on the Rep

[Stonehand]

And those 55% owners of United did a bang-up job the past several years, no? And, gosh, our educational employees are so talented that they're just DYING to let competence and merit matter in their profession, while trial lawyers are the paragons of ethical society and the Teamsters are known for their lack of corruption (and building their union hall with union labor, right? Again, nope...).