Tracy Bender
Sen. Whitehouse Gives Presentation On 'Dark ...

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse used his time at the confirmation hearing for Judge Amy Coney Barrett to give a presentation about how "dark money" was playing a role in the Supreme Court nomination process.

Sen. Whitehouse Gives Presentation On 'Dark Money' Influence On Supreme Court Nomination
Tracy Bender
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's Presentation - A Make ...

Last week Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island gave a 30-minute powerful pull-the-curtain-back presentation during his opening remarks at the Senate Amy Coney Barrett SCOTUS confirmation hearing. We highly recommend you set aside a half-hour of Netflix to watch his extraordinarily revealing testimony.

What's the gist? That since Citizens United became law, conservative activists have spent $250 million in a behind the scenes campaign to remake our courts. As Senator Whitehouse points out, "$250 million is a lot to spend if you're not getting anything for it". What did they get? They got 60 percent majority control while representing only about 30% of our country on our most hot button issues, ie., the ACA, Roe v. Wade, same-sex marriage, and voter suppression based on race.

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's Presentation - A Make It Fair Break It Down
Tracy Bender
Help us in the fight to end corruption in our ...

For decades, but particularly since the Citizens United decision, megadonors and lobbyists for special interests have exercised far too much influence within U.S. politics. Megadonors fund those who are the most likely to do legislative favors for the businesses and industries that are the sources of their wealth.

Sadly, America is on the verge of being a full-fledged plutocratic oligarchy: just look at the widening wealth gaps. The middle class, which was the guiding force in our democratic republic, no longer has much political influence.

Massive amounts of money are spent on American political campaigns. According to Open Secrets, an election finance watchdog, a record $6.5 billion was spent during the 2016 election cycle and it's clear our 2020 election cycle will see a new record in spending.

Political candidates are forced to spend a minimum of 5 hours per day raising campaign dollars, which doesn't leave them much time listening to anyone who can't contribute to their coffers in a significant way. There is no other word for this than corruption.

Recently we've seen megadonors get the ultimate payoff for their contributions via a tax plan and deregulatory programs. It's time to take back our power via anti-corruption legislation. Join us in the movement by helping us spread the word.

Help us in the fight to end corruption in our political process...
Tracy Bender
What part of 'money in politics is corruption' ...

Lockheed Martin and Honeywell are just 2 examples of this everyday corruption and lack of fair play in our Government policy. Lockheed Martin was cited for 88 cases of misconduct and paid $767.8M in penalties since 1995, while Honeywell International Inc. paid $741.8M in penalties for 66 instances of misconduct since 1995. There doesn’t seem to be a limit of misconduct to keep contracts from being awarded to law/rule breakers NOR to keep politicians from accepting their money.

We often say, “Don’t hate the players - hate the game” and this is more evidence of just how broken our system is. This article points to high profile Democrats who are benefiting from these power structures. Make It Fair has long noted that the rules are written to force precisely these interactions and outcomes regardless of party. Sadly, the candidate with the most money wins 93% of the time. If a candidate in any competitive district doesn’t hop aboard the money train, they have very little chance of winning. As long as ‘money is voice’ in our political system, it’s clear we should expect corruption as the norm. Until we have legislation that controls money’s influence, we will not see justice and fair play.

Next time you feel frustrated about not being heard by your government representative, just whisper this little truth to yourself: “Oh yeah, the system is rigged.”

What part of 'money in politics is corruption' don't we understand?
Tracy Bender
3 Years and it's the "same ole, same ole".
3 Years and it's the "same ole, same ole".

national

Help us in the fight to end corruption in our political process...

Help us in the fight to end corruption in our political process...

For decades, but particularly since the Citizens United decision, megadonors and lobbyists for special interests have exercised far too much influence within U.S. politics. Megadonors fund those who are the most likely to do legislative favors for the businesses and industries that are the sources of their wealth.

Sadly, America is on the verge of being a full-fledged plutocratic oligarchy: just look at the widening wealth gaps. The middle class, which was the guiding force in our democratic republic, no longer has much political influence.

Massive amounts of money are spent on American political campaigns. According to Open Secrets, an election finance watchdog, a record $6.5 billion was spent during the 2016 election cycle and it's clear our 2020 election cycle will see a new record in spending.

Political candidates are forced to spend a minimum of 5 hours per day raising campaign dollars, which doesn't leave them much time listening to anyone who can't contribute to their coffers in a significant way. There is no other word for this than corruption.

Recently we've seen megadonors get the ultimate payoff for their contributions via a tax plan and deregulatory programs. It's time to take back our power via anti-corruption legislation. Join us in the movement by helping us spread the word.

What part of 'money in politics is corruption' don't we understand?

What part of 'money in politics is corruption' don't we understand?

Lockheed Martin and Honeywell are just 2 examples of this everyday corruption and lack of fair play in our Government policy. Lockheed Martin was cited for 88 cases of misconduct and paid $767.8M in penalties since 1995, while Honeywell International Inc. paid $741.8M in penalties for 66 instances of misconduct since 1995. There doesn’t seem to be a limit of misconduct to keep contracts from being awarded to law/rule breakers NOR to keep politicians from accepting their money.

We often say, “Don’t hate the players - hate the game” and this is more evidence of just how broken our system is. This article points to high profile Democrats who are benefiting from these power structures. Make It Fair has long noted that the rules are written to force precisely these interactions and outcomes regardless of party. Sadly, the candidate with the most money wins 93% of the time. If a candidate in any competitive district doesn’t hop aboard the money train, they have very little chance of winning. As long as ‘money is voice’ in our political system, it’s clear we should expect corruption as the norm. Until we have legislation that controls money’s influence, we will not see justice and fair play.

Next time you feel frustrated about not being heard by your government representative, just whisper this little truth to yourself: “Oh yeah, the system is rigged.”

Super PACs Strike Again

Super PACs Strike Again

Super PACs strike again. Because of the protections Super PACs were gifted, this type of corruption is rampant. The only reason this instance was discovered was because of an investigation into other campaign finance violations.

Also, although Super PACs are barred from coordinating with campaigns, a law impossible to monitor and therefore rarely followed, there is no limit on donations. Isn't this the perfect recipe for corruption?

Scapegoating and a Fresh Coating (of BS)

Scapegoating and a Fresh Coating (of BS)

It isn't just Facebook. Distraction is the rule in Public Relations and a must-have skill for Masters of Spin. Is Facebook being thrown to the wolves to protect ad dollars?

Digital media companies are shaking in their boots. Set to make over $83 Billion in digital ad revenue this year, keeping your criticisms aimed at Facebook, keeps your eyes off them. EVERY media company is doing this. What sites did you visit today? Guess what, they "mined your data".

Alabama Election - Jones vs. Moore, Who Said Democracy is Cheap? Or Easy?

Alabama Election - Jones vs. Moore, Who Said Democracy is Cheap? Or Easy?

Many factors played a role in this historic win in Alabama last night, however it wouldn't have happened without a lot of money. Jones raised more than twice as much as Moore. 91% of all elections are won by the candidate who raised the most money. Although it appears to have worked out in this situation, we need to make elections equitable for ALL American citizens all the time.

Food - The Butterfly Effect & Sustainable Sustinance

Food - The Butterfly Effect & Sustainable Sustinance

Join the Discussion: Make It Fair's Harmon Dash & Culinaria Director, Pepper Bowen. Food deserts, invasive species, environmental issues and toxins, diet change effects... all are multi-sided issues. Profit and loss, cultural considerations, protecting human and planetary health are just a few food industry factors. For food policy and culture, the "Butterfly Effect" is in full force. Also, not only has decades of marketing convinced many American's to eat against their own self-interest, but the American diet and appetites reach far beyond the dinner table and the scale. One thing is clear, there's no easy fix for businesses nor individuals and no solution which will make everyone happy. However, at this point is it about happiness or sustainability?

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