Maine news, sports, weather | Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine

July 29

Our system breeds costly, worthless campaigns

To continue from my last letter:

The oil eruption in the Gulf, and our government’s incapacity to bring BP to justice, or even get straight answers, should be indication enough as to where power lies in this day and age.

One may fault our government’s size and bureaucratic tardiness — with some justification — but at least government tries to work for the benefit of our nation. (If you say, “No it doesn’t,” then just stop reading this letter) Conversely, corporations owe all of their allegiance to their stockholders only.

They are like small, powerful, self-serving nation states, to whom the U.S. Supreme Court recently awarded “personhood “— defining them as persons like ourselves — who may contribute unlimited sums of money to any political cause their directorship favors with the same freedom, latitude, and privilege that we enjoy. And while I’m sure you have opinions about how this country should be represented, do you have, say, $200,000 and up to contribute to, and influence, and make beholden the candidate of your choice as do these corporations “people”?

And why all these donations? Because our election campaigns go on for years. Because they are actually unending, and devour incomprehensible sums. And because we have allowed political parties and career politicians to exist. George Washington “back in the day” warned against political parties and their lock-step, polarizing politics.

The Brits and others get their campaigns done within a few weeks. No one needs years. Our system breeds debilitating trivialization and endless “attack ads.” Worthless crap, but costly.

We desperately need campaign reform in every aspect, including term limits, or our democracy is kaput.

Next time I’ll venture some thoughts on term limits. The establishment has it backwards. On purpose.

                         

Abbott Meader

Oakland