Who's Backing Hillary?

[dgridley]

Ever wonder who wants to see Hillary Clinton in office? Here's a partial list of the top contributors to Hillary's 2006 Senate race:

http://campaignnews.info/2006/10/04/top-10-contributors-to-hillary-clintons-2006-senate-race/

[bobbylien]

I don't think companies should be able to donate money to campaign funds.

[sbannon]

I don't think companies should be able to donate money to campaign funds.
Why not? Corporate entities have rights and freedoms to protect just as individuals do so they should be allowed to support candidates they feel will work best for their interests just as people do.

Sometimes freedom in a democratic society isn't convenient, but what would you rather have?

[Drocket]

Sometimes freedom in a democratic society isn't convenient, but what would you rather have?

I'd rather live in a world where pieces of paper (which is what a corporation is, in the end) aren't granted the same rights as a human being. A corporation is a tool, and should be treated as such.

[sbannon]

A corporation is just pieces of paper, really? Then why do so many newly unemployed people act so upset when their corporation goes under--since the corporation was just pieces of paper? I disgard pounds of papers each day and that never bothers me a bit, which makes me think that businesses are a little more than just the papers which identify them.

Every business entity, from sole proprietorships to corporations have to conduct business in certain ways which are legislated by the government. Being able to conduct their business in a profitable manner is the only way for the business to stay open--being able to conduct their business in an overall positive economy is the best way to ensure better profits and growth for themselves. So of course they have a very personal connection and interest in who gets elected to offices, as do the people who work for them.

[Elrathin]

Every business entity, from sole proprietorships to corporations have to conduct business in certain ways which are legislated by the government. Being able to conduct their business in a profitable manner is the only way for the business to stay open--being able to conduct their business in an overall positive economy is the best way to ensure better profits and growth for themselves. So of course they have a very personal connection and interest in who gets elected to offices, as do the people who work for them.


That is why I believe in money limits for campaigning. It is no longer who the best person for the job is, it's how much money you have to spend.

How can a person be a representative (servent) of the people, when most of the time, they don't even know what the public is?

[sbannon]

I understand your thinking Elrathin, but can't help thinking to myself that the problem lies with uninformed voters more than campaign financing.

I'm sorry, but flashy signs and commercials don't sway my vote, the candidate's records and/or experience does.

It's not hard to know about the candidates you'll be voting on in today's world. Especially with federal office races. All the financing control in the world isn't going to make a difference so long as people aren't taking the time to learn about who they're voting for or against--beyond the commercial sound-bites.

Every election, without fail, atleast one person I know will say something like "I didn't know either of those guys running for [SOME OFFICE], so I just picked the [Democrat/Republican]." And these are educated professionals.

[Elrathin]

I understand your thinking Elrathin, but can't help thinking to myself that the problem lies with uninformed voters more than campaign financing.

Oh don't get me wrong, I am not putting fully the blame to one thing.

In fact, you are correct that the biggest problem is the people. If we had informed voters and people that actually cared about our political system, no amount of flashy screens or advertisments would be able to sway an informed voter.

[sbannon]

Elrathin, if you agree that far will you come all the way to the dark side with me and agree then that it's a waste of time and resources to debate and attempt to legislate the BS issue of campaign financing?

I just see the whole thing as a no value issue for the American people. You don't need to break the money ties between big business and politicians with time consuming legislation (that they'll find ways around anyway) if you nip it in the bud at the voting booths.

Instead of worrying about campaign finance reform we should be promoting participation and easier accredited points of access to candidate records/resumes.