In an AP article linked from the Drudge Report, Fred Wertheimer of Democracy21 (a “nonpartisan” group) is quoted saying:
“The best way to limit the influence of wealthy special interests, Wertheimer said, is to increase public funding for presidential elections and restrict the amount that private business can pump into campaigns and politics. That could pave the way for tighter restrictions on influence-peddling in Congress, he said.”
I have a question for old Fred: why is being wealthy bad? Furthermore, why are non-wealthy interests more important? Ok, so I’m not wealthy; I’m also not poor. I’m a fairly middle class gal at the end of the day. I frankly don’t think any interest is a “special” interest—it’s just an interest.
Union leaders and oil lobbyists are no different, except oftentimes these so-called wealthy folks are arguing for dergegulation, tax breaks, and the ability to have business friendly environments that allow them to create jobs, provide better benefits, and increase the standard of living in many parts of the country. These wonderful people allegedly arguing for the less fortunate are trying to spend this country into even greater debt through earmarks in the stimulus package for frivolous projects (check out the No Stimulus project to read the bill, get monetary breakdowns, and take action)! Sounds a little like “special interests” doesn’t it?
Call me crazy, but let’s stop having people like Fred from calling the kettle black and accepting politics as usual. At least then each side can have a real discussion and this “change” can happen.
