I wonder how many smart, thoughtful, compassionate people would run for elected office if money wasn't the issue, but it is. Even before the Citizens United issue was supported by the Supreme Court, money has been plaguing politics for decades. Do you remember when Michael Huffington spent tens of millions running for Governor of California, only to be defeated? What about EBay's Meg Whitman? Another multi-millionaire funding her own campaign. She lost. BUT what about the people that are valuable people in our communities? They don't have a chance anymore. With the flood of PAC money, it isn't possible. Isn't that against what the United States of America should stand for?
Again, I always say I am a very pragmatic, practical, common sense person. Off the top of my head one of the few "regular" folk in recent-ish memory is Representative Carolyn McCarthy from Long Island. She was swept into office after she lost her husband and her son was paralyzed by a mad man shooting indiscriminately on the Long Island Rail Road. She didn't have tons of money. She had a vision for the country and her constituents carried her to D.C. She has been re-elected now multiple times. McCarthy never had a political desire before she lived through a tragedy. She was a regular person. Isn't that who we should have in Congress? Isn't that the original intent of our Founding Fathers? Wasn't that the difference between Congress and the Senate? Maybe I have it wrong. The way it's going…without money you can't get in. If the DNC and the RNC doesn't back you, sorry the gates are locked shut.
I love politics. I have a great deal of passion for this country and where I would like it to go. It's not on the path I would choose, but my only avenue is here. Even if I wanted to give up my life for D.C., there's no way to get in. It's money and whom you know. We wonder why we are where we are? Money has absolutely corrupted and destroyed democracy. The hypocrisy of many has disillusioned the masses. We are in a very bad way. Do I see an end to all of this in the near future? No. I have a friend whose son wants to be in politics. I hope that by the time he gets rolling, he can change the world again. I just want campaign finance reform before that day so we can get the young, bright, and strong to lead our country.
Sidebars: Scandal and Covert Affairs are teetering on the absurd. They better get it back because there is only so much suspension of disbelief to go around. Went to see a wonderful Broadway show in previews, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. It is clever and smart. There is no over the top production values, just a fun, entertaining show. No stars, just great talent. The incredible Jefferson Mays does it again. I actually am going to try to support Broadway shows without star names. Maybe if they are successful, producers will get the hint. There is so much incredible talent in NYC and we need to support them! Halloween has come and gone. Went out, bought too much candy, and for the very first time in NYC apartment living…no one came to the door. So sad. :-( .TGIF. Enjoy your weekend wherever you go.
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@DianaPodolsky
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