General Thoughts democracy
Political corruption is a cancer that eats away at the foundations of democracy. It manifests in many forms, including lobbying abuses, bribery, extortion, nepotism, cronyism, patronage, parochialism, graft, embezzlement, and influence peddling. Each of these practices undermines public trust and distorts the democratic process, shifting power away from the people and into the hands of the privileged few.
The rise of money in politics can be traced back to the 1976 Buckley v. Valeo decision, where the Supreme Court ruled that government could not limit corporate political spending without violating free speech rights. This landmark case opened the door for unprecedented financial influence in elections. In 2010, the Citizens United decision expanded this ruling, allowing unlimited political spending by nonprofits, for-profits, unions, and corporations. The result was a dramatic increase in untraceable money influencing elections, weakening the Federal Election Commission's (FEC) ability to enforce spending limits.
Today, 78% of Americans believe the level of political corruption in our government is unprecedented and alarming. This widespread public sentiment reflects a deep frustration with the erosion of democratic principles. The government is meant to represent the will of the people—not the interests of powerful donors or corporations.
To restore faith in our democracy, we must:
Overturn Citizens United and Strengthen Campaign Finance Laws: End the unchecked flow of money into politics by reinstating spending limits and increasing transparency.
Reinforce the FEC’s Power: Provide the Federal Election Commission with the resources and authority to hold violators accountable and ensure fair elections.
Educate the Public: Raise awareness about the history and consequences of political corruption so voters can make informed decisions and demand change.
Democracy is not an abstract ideal—it is a system that thrives when the people are heard, respected, and represented. By confronting corruption and advocating for reforms, we can ensure that democracy serves the many, not the few.
