Slashdot Mirror
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.
Can I donate money to my local politician to guarantee that I get a seat at a DMCA meeting next to Ellen Feiss? If she's not available, how about Natalie Portman at an MPAA meeting?
Someone took POL 101 and realizes how government works, yay for you!
"Developersdevelopersdevelopersdevelopers!"
Information wants to be anthropomorphized.
A business that supports thousands of people should have more access to a politician than you. A politician does not have infinite time. So... A company (or entity with money) that represents you can speak for you and the thousands below it.
If something by Microsoft is going to kill X idea, then a company or smaller companies that support that idea should also speak to the politicians.
This is how it works. I'm sorry, you do not count as much as an entity representing thousands of people.
Buying a politician: $1.5 million
Dark Grey Suit with bad tie: $1295
Per plate dinner: $500
Being able to sit next to the guy who keeps my company out of the boiler and slip him a "special" christmas perk:
Priceless!
No, they'll have to take second place. First place is reserved for Sirian Cybernetics.
Because we can't all come together on the vi vs. Emacs debate, let alone campaign finance reform.
I can see it now:
The Million Troll March
Hah. They're the same thing buddy.
At first I thought that the poster was just kidding. Saying that politicians and parties take money and kickbacks for access is like saying that you just found out that your sister smokes.
Get real. Wake up. Not only does money buy access, favors and power, but it's not just corps that are purchasing. As we found out during the Clinton administration, Communist China is out Christmas shopping too.
What a hoot.
Barbra Streisand on firearms, Alex Baldwin on Canadian tourism, Richard Gere on Chinese politics and Rosie O'Donnell on the uselessness of math education for the modern grrl.
Just kidding... I hope.
Only the dead have seen the end of war.
And throw away your vote? MUHAHAHAHAHA!
Sometimes the Simpsons is so accurate it's scary.
Endless arguments over trivial contradictions in books written by ignorant savages to explain thunder in the dark.
If money wins elections, why aren't Steve Forbes and Ross Perot building their presidential libraries now?
Because their goofiness outweighs their monetary advantage over the poorer millionaires.
For now, the ballot box is still secret. We can still use it. We still do. We are not all fools. Thank God, and may god truly bless America. Please? God? Are you listening?
BEEP. We're sorry, but the number you have dialed has been disconnected. No further information is available for 1-800-DEAR-GOD.