 |
| http://obeygiant.com/images/2012/03/c403c6ca38.jpg |
I am almost at a loss as to
how to begin this blog entry. I’ve been reading this book and studying this
topic for a while now. I think I’m ready to publicly tackle it. It pushes my
informational limits.
Ever since I was little, it’s
been made clear to me that Congress is
corrupt. I never knew why, I just knew
that everyone in my life was unsatisfied with its performance. As an eighteen
year old Political Science and Journalism Major, I now strive to find out why.
A public intellectual and
activist by the name of Lawrence Lessig came to speak at my college a little
while back, accompanied by another man who I know significantly less about by
the name of Jeffrey D. Clements.
The topic they tackled: Money
in Politics.
I bought both of their books
after their presentation, and had them signed because I was sure the
opportunity would not present itself again. The books I purchased were Republic, Lost by Lawrence Lessig and Corporations Are Not People by Jeffrey
D. Clements.
I have not yet read the
latter book, but I have quite literally just finished Lessig’s book.
It’s a very good read, comprehensive
on the topic of the corruption of Congress through its means of campaign
fundraising, and certainly required a great amount of mental exertion.
I’m going to attempt to
outline the main points of the book the best I can, but I still recommend you
read it, or at least check out Lessig’s TED Talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/lawrence_lessig_we_the_people_and_the_republic_we_must_reclaim.html
Basically, the main cause of
corruption in Congress are lobbyists and Super PAC’s, raising insane amounts of
money for candidates with corporate interests in mind and creating a sort of “gift”
economy and culture on the Hill which motivates Senators and Representatives to
act in the interests of the wealthy as opposed to the interests of the greater
body of “ordinary” citizens.
Congress members would act in
the interests of these Lobbyists and their companies in order to secure for
themselves a high paying job as a lobbyist or board member after their term
ended.
Yikes. So, how does Lessig propose
this issue be combatted?
1.
Write and pass a bill to limit individual
contributions to campaigns
2.
Have non-politicians run in Congressional races
for the sole purpose of promoting “clean-money” campaigning and force other
politicians who otherwise would not run “clean-money” to either admit their
against it or join in and support that kind of campaigning
3.
Elect a President whose sole purpose is to “(1)
hold the government hostage until Congress enacts a program to remove the
fundamental corruption that is our government, and (2) once that program is
enacted, she will resign.” (Lessig, 285).
4.
Call and Article V Convention made up of
representatives not holding a seat in Congress to pursue Constitutional reform.
5.
A combination of all four aforementioned.
This is a very limited
outline I am presenting to you. I recommend you do some research on your own.
Definitely at least watch the TED Talk. You will not be disappointed.
Also, check out http://www.rootstrikers.org/#!/
I’m a Rootstriker now.
You should be too.
I find this issue both pertinent and fascinating. As a rational, informed citizen, I think of congressional reform as a no-brainer, especially given their consistent inability to solve any issues. However, I also recognize the inherent difficulty in tackling such an issue. Congress' reliance on money has created an ineffective system, but, in working towards the destruction of reasonable government, this corruption has made itself almost impossible to exterminate. We live in a broad, populous country in a globalized world. Without significant funding, election is nearly impossible even for the finest campaign. Even by making a stand and fundraising only through modest donations from individuals, even if said candidate could win, the full efforts of a monopolized and insanely wealthy opposition would crush the efforts of such an individual. We've already seen this happen and witness it on a sadly frequent basis. Even if congress' reliance on bribery - I mean, lobbying - was easier to tackle, that wouldn't be the end to the struggle there. The possibly even more impossible problem is in the voters. We live in a republic with a plethora of ideas, many of which are intensely at odds with each other. People on all sides are too busy trying to prove that they're right to attempt comprehensive reform. Also, any plans for such a reform would seem incredibly radical and intellectual, two things which are becomingly increasingly taboo in modern American society. Even though I believe that most of American wants congressional reform as much as it needs it, I find it practically impossible for all sides to work together to come up with a plan that would garner public support and not crush itself with its own weight. Despite the importance of the issue, I think that nothing will come out of it, at least in any of our lifetimes, despite the persistence, spirit, intelligence, hopefulness, or tact of its supporters. My sincerest apologies, Bean.
ReplyDelete