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.
The only way to fix the problem is large scale revolution. Mod me down if you must. But you mods will be the first with your backs against the wall when the revolution arrives.
Eliminate political parties. Declare them as monopolies under anti-trust laws.
At least in the US this sort of behaviour is above board. It's an open book you can respond to.
In Canada, this sort of crap is very much hidden from public view. We have no way of knowing where the payola comes from, or where the influence is exercised. Every once in a while a tidbit gets out, like Chretien and the Shawinigan fiasco, but aside from those waves of negative PR that seem to go hand in hand with an election or leaderhip race, it's all very hush hush.
Mike
Ok ok, I'll be good. Gimme back my karma.
-- Karma whore? You betcha. --
The CNN headline "Documents: Donors promised political access" was adequate. The Slashdot headline is childish, uninformative and search-proof. I nearly skipped the story, assuming it was about games or music.
Michael, are you writing on a news site or in a school exercise book? Hands up who knows what headlines are for.