An upcoming election should be an opportunity for candidates to expose their positions and persuade the voters of their merits. I have been waiting, and searching the campaigns for such information, but to no avail. What I have
been subjected to is a contest on money raised, and still to be raised
by each party. Almost breathlessly they inform me that they are within so many
dollars of out raising the opposition and my contribution will bring victory
in the contest by some deadline. The media will then report which party raised the
most, as if that is meaningful in governing the nation.
This afternoon, after some absence from the computer, I found 16 inbox Emails, most
from well known political figures. Those were requests for money, none of which contained useful information that would influence my vote. But money does influence the votes of our legislators---not the $10 or $20 I might send, but the thousands that special interests give. Those contributions come with strings attached which
morph into chains on legislators independence.
Would public financing of elections, honestly and fairly administered eliminate the
corrupting influence of campaign contributions? It is worth exploring.
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Advertising has taken over our way of life. In all countries it requires mucho dinero, sehr geld, muito dinheiro, beaucoup d’argent, molto denaro, much money, a lot of dough.
The toothpaste I use, the car I drive, the food I eat, are all influenced without my knowledge by the constant reminders of paid advertising. Unconsciously my preferences are prejudiced. This is the idea behind promoting the names of political candidates with repeated ads.
Most Voters are influenced by the candidate who has enough money to advertise himself with the subliminal repetition of his name. And that takes much money.
Note that in addition, a politician, like a product, must have a catchy name.
“Barack” would be perfect for a cellphone, a speed boat, a Savings Bank. Add “Obama” to it and you have the perfect name for an irresistibly popular presidential candidate.
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