Watch Your Neighbors Political Contribution

arrianus writes "Fundrace.org gives a fascinating perspective on campaign donation laws. You can look up people's political donations to the current presidential campaign based on name (type in a friend's name, and see how much money he donated, and to whom), location (see which of your neighbors are politically active). I leave the privacy implications of this as an exercise to the reader. How long before this is tied into marketing databases? What happens if an employer were to prescreen employees based on political leanings?" Well, it is illegal to screen like that - and frankly, for a healthy democracy, it's probably better to have this in the open. Still, disturbing to see.

Comments

Haven't we learned yet?

[tickticker]

This city map scares me. We must be a nation of idiots if I even see a tinge of red.

Just another case of that scary technology stuff.

--
This sig liked working, back when Clinton was in charge.

Let's see...

[Anonymous Coward]

William H. Gates
CEO
Microsoft Corp.
1 Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052

George W. Bush $2,000

Can't say I'm surprised...

Re:Legality???

[MacAndrew]

Why would it be illegal to discriminate on the basis of politics? I don't see anything on this at the FEC site.

The government can't discriminate on politics (first amendment) but the rest of us can. Age, gender, race, disability, and so on are protected by specific civil rights law; they are "protected classes." you can, however, refuse to rent to or employ someone on sexual orientation (most places), height, odor.... and if you want to hire only republicans for, say, the RNC, go ahead.

however, it regrettable that disclosure might chill some contributions. but with public financing of campaigns we could get around all of this nonsense and candidate groveling for contributions.

You can screen based on political leaning

[notyou2]

"What happens if an employer were to prescreen employees based on political leanings?" Well, it is illegal to screen like that.

That's not illegal in most states, and I wouldn't be surprised if it's not illegal in any state. You can discriminate or fire someone (in most states) for any reason that isn't EXPLICITLY outlawed. And at the federal level, the only prohibited reasons are race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age over 40, and disability.

Riscorp--more on what needs to be done here

[randall_burns]

"Riscorp was the Sarasota insurance company whose principals were indicted and convicted for election fraud for illegally donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to candidates. Riscorp asked its employees to make donations, and then reimbursed them". From an article about Ms. Harris-the sleezebag that helped appoint George Bush president-and had earlier in her career helped out Riscorp's management.

I do suggest you seek legal counsel. Your management may have made you an accomplice to a felony. At the same time, if you report this crime and it doesn't get picked up for investigation(and most reports don't), you would most likely loose this job--so I'd consider your options here very carefully. The above is not legal advice-but I suggestion that you get such advice.

I would look for an attorney with experience handling high level whistle blowing cases and lawsuits associated with such cases. You may have grounds for a lawsuit against your employers management since it appears plausible that your employer is making clear that commission of a felony will play an important role in your future at that company.