Musings of a Patriot

Signs of Change

I was excited by the news that Obama Declares DNC Won’t Take PAC Money. I think that Lyall shares a good point from a letter to the WSJ editor that the way to really rein in lobbyists is to rein in government. (I wish Lyall provided a link.) If Obama can understand that truth then I have hope that he can effect such a change of culture in Washington if he becomes president. For that matter, if he does not become president he still might be able to make a positive change from the Senate since he has shown his obvious commitment to do things differently and he has some influence that might be used to convince others to follow his lead.

I hope that Democratic lawmakers will follow the lead of the DNC (it may be too much to hope, but while we’re at it the Republicans should do the same thing). Maybe Obama could accept McCain’s offer to do townhall style discussions around the country on the condition that McCain put the GOP on the path of refusing PAC money.

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David

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4 responses to “Signs of Change”

  1. Hyrum Avatar
    Hyrum

    Ironically enough, McCain doesn’t have to accept PAC money – nor does Obama. PACs can run ads and advocate on behalf of their preferred cantidate without that cantidates’ awareness or permission.

    I don’t believe anything substantial will occur until people stop thinking that money is the problem. We have already seen that – at least in some elections – you can’t simply buy a seat through throwing money at an election. I don’t believe money is the problem here, and I think the more torturous the route to funding a cantidate or PAC, the more lobbyist involvement you will get.

    Just my $.02.

    Reply
  2. David Avatar
    David

    Of course they don’t have to although there are different rules for advertising done by a candidate than there are for ads by PACs.

    I agree with you – the easier access that people have to contact candidates the less need there would be for lobbyists. Of course if a candidate were being influenced by money that would not hold true.

    Reply
  3. Lyall Avatar
    Lyall

    David,

    See if this link pops up the Letter to Editor:
    Title: First Amendment Yes, One Cheer for the Lobbyists
    Author: Matt Hutchison, Atlanta
    URL: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121263982260847847.html?mod=relevancy

    Reply
  4. David Avatar
    David

    Lyall,

    Thanks for the link.

    Reply

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