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| The Global Freedom Institute |
| American Democracy: Are Voters Destroying it? (page 2) Have you ever wondered why so many fundraisers with the rich? Senators have to raise about $10,000 per day for reelection, Presidents must raise even more. The question one must ask is why would all of these business leaders and wealthy individuals donate so much to these people? Businesses are out to make money, not give it away. The reason is simple. They buy power, influence, and favorable policies. When one looks at the major candidates in their state and federal races (potentially even in local races), look for the money. Look for the scandals that have been hidden. Look for the cover ups of their histories. Some say a zebra can�t change his stripes. The same may be true of politicians. When they get used to having the money, and have started to trade influence for that money, they can�t stop. One reason is the fear of being exposed. Another is the difficulty of raising that money, they don�t want to give that up. With all that money, what can voters do? First, they must remember their voting responsibility. They must vote. They should vote for the candidate who honestly represents their interests. Too often, many vote democrat or republican simply because they always have. Also, people vote for the person who is the �lesser of two evils.� That means they only see two candidates. In the last presidential election, there were nine candidates, limiting themselves to two only feeds the purchasing agenda of those who buy influence. Second, voters must evaluate all candidates. Some say a third party vote is a �wasted vote.� This is part of the propagandistic practice of the powers that buy candidates and the two major parties to keep power. Third, voters must search for the truth. Each media outlet does have an agenda and will keep certain practices a secret, such as the corruption pointed to above. Some use saving their party as the reason directly. Others use it indirectly. For example, few are reporting the depth of the election law violations in the 2000 election because they fear reprisals and exposure of their own violations. Al Gore did not go after certain obvious election law violations that skewed Florida in favor of Bush because he feared exposure of his own campaigns violations of election laws. The truth about these issues exists, but the voters actually have to search to find it. Fourth, voters must focus. The media knows that even rumors of problems, like possible cocaine use by Bush, will get you to watch, but they can let it go without any true investigation because the focus of Americans is only good for so long. People wanted the court drama surrounding Florida to end after a week or two, because they lost their focus. They were bored. They didn�t care as much about getting it right as they did about getting it over. The same is true of the election law violations. People cared for a month, maybe, but no one even talks about it anymore. The focus is gone. Politicians know this, which is why nothing is being investigated or done to fix those violations. Only when voters take democracy seriously and fulfill their responsibilities as voters to understand the issues, the corruption, the propaganda and actually vote, will these problems be addressed. Imagine the reaction of politicians if exposed corruption meant someone was voted out of office. Imagine the reaction of politicians if a third party candidate won over two corrupt politicians. Imagine the reaction of politicians if they were voted out of office based on their lies and empty campaign promises. Government will never regulate itself to stop these practices. Some may think the investigation of the Marc Rich pardon by Clinton will mean something, but it won�t. The practice of selling pardons is common, as Bush pardoned Armand Hammer in 1989, after Hammer donated $200,000 to Bush�s campaign and inauguration. None of this will end, but it will appear to be attacked. The ideas of the parties are to divide Americans into a combative mode of democrats versus republicans. That means you won�t consider any other options, because your democrats or republicans must win. It locks people into this mindset. Only voters can change these practices with their votes. Voters must exercise their responsibilities to make democracy work. Democracy is hard work. It has to be. Voters have neglected their responsibilities for too long, it is time to get back to work. Kennedy said �ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.� Responsible voting is the next must for this country. It is more important than a space station, nuclear proliferation, the environment, civil rights, or any other issue. Without responsible voting, no solutions for those issues will arrive. It is up to you. 1 2 Return to Main Page |
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