Our political campaign finance system is driven by a surplus of greed and a shortage of common sense. It provides our powerful and wealthy citizens access to and influence over a corrupted Congress. It is an ominous game. At stake is our form of government and our way of life–democracy.
The word “democracy” means “rule by the people.” Abraham Lincoln described it as government of the people, by the people, for the people, not government of some people, by some people, for some people.
Democracy says do not look only to yourself and like-minded people for answers. Avail yourself of that which others have to offer, for life is diverse. Democracy says do not be rigid. Be open and adaptable, for life is dynamic and changing. Democracy says do not make participation exclusive. Make it inclusive, for life is all-encompassing. Democracy says do not represent only those who have influence. Represent all, for life demands justice.
Democracy is compromised when capitalism’s profits play a disproportionate role in electing candidates to public office. When office-holders reward their benefactors, democracy is vanquished. When government is controlled by those who seek profit above the welfare of the common good, the democratic process is nullified. In its place is plutocracy, government by and for the wealthy.
Rage and fear grow among those who experience economic insecurity. For them, instead of a sense of community, a vacuum forms that is filled with anxiety and despair. Wealth and power, intoxicating and irresistible, blind us to these disparities and their consequences. We are on dangerous ground. This system must be reformed.
