I woke up the other day to a NPR report about, now hold your laughter, money buys a voice…Really?! Wow, I don’t know about you, but I was amazed there was yet another report about how money influences elections and who sees their Congressman, Senator, or state legislator. For twenty-five years of my life I made visits to people who wrote, voted, and passed legislation. I can tell you that absolutely 100% of the time I needed a vote is was taken more seriously if I knew the group I was working for had contributed to the campaign or re-election fund of that person. And he or she knew if we didn’t give money or perhaps gave a little more to the competition. That day I listened to all of the local and national radio stations that discuss politics, and they either don’t have a clue or perpetuate the purchase of political influence because the state and national political parties will purchase influence ads on their shows. The sad part is that most of the listeners believe whatever they hear no matter the source. I was told once directly by a local legislator that we didn’t have a chance at his vote because we never assisted him with his campaign – yes, the door was closed and no one could hear the discussion but that is exactly what happens. When I had a check to deliver to the person’s campaign fund, I always had a personal visit instead of a visit with a staff member. I felt privileged and honored to be a part of passing legislation that paid for scholarships, health care, and looked out for the security of the public, but there was always a price. Don’t go to bed naive believing politicians ALWAYS do things for the right reasons. They do things based on the amount of influence you’ve purchased, and that is the reality.
Money buys a voice…Really?
April 1, 2014
stewert james
The Author
An author with a story. Living in a quiet Northern Michigan community, nestled into a serene Lake Michigan bay, James writes to the rhythms of current events mixed with romanticism and experience that can only be found by living the same adventures. Whether it’s a provocative story line or blog, this website will certainly take you beyond the keyboard.
Hey – I met you at Chandler’s last Thursday – I’m the fish guy.
I met Congressman Keith Ellison, D Minnesota, at Regan National a few weeks ago and struck up a conversation. Nice guy. During our chat I asked “How is money free speech? Doesn’t equating money with free speech give a few people a giant megaphone with which to drown out the rest of our voices? Doesn’t that essentially prohibit my free speech?”
The Congressmen answered my question with a question: “Ever hear of speaking truth to power Bill? The fact is power knows the truth but they just don’t care.”