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".

new orleans

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.

Now we know what the price is for American health and safety transparency...

Now we know what the price is for American health and safety transparency...

3 weeks ago, as New Orleans - and most of Louisiana - approached Mardi Gras weekend, when our social selves are even more social AND we invite millions of visitors to join us, Sen. Richard Burr was sharing, with his 6 figure donors, dire warnings of what our nation would soon be facing.

Well - at least now we know what it costs to get the truth and the protections which come with it, from our government.

New Orleanians Ask For An End To The Government Shutdown

New Orleanians Ask For An End To The Government Shutdown

President Trump visited our city and he was met with protesters demanding an end to the government shutdown.

Long before Donald Trump was elected as our 45th president, protests were becoming more of a regular occurrence. After Barack Obama's election, we regularly saw Tea Party members holding signs on street corners in cities across the country. Why are we taking to the streets? Why the need to chant loudly with a crowd and hold signs for all to see? Could it be because we know it's the only way we'll be heard by our government "representatives"?

We the people are becoming more and more aware that only giant monied interests are represented in our current political system. The current shutdown is another example. A definitive majority of Americans are against this shutdown - AND - the wall, yet we're being ignored. The claim by this administration? It's a national security issue and we need a "steel" wall. HMMM? Steel? Oh yeah, the steel industry was giant supporters of the GOP and Mr. Trump's campaigns. Terrorists come in through airports, not the Mexican border. If it was about National Security, we wouldn't leave those responsible for protecting our airport traffic unpaid, bitter, anxious, and angry.

SB185 - Let New Orleans Fix Their Own Gun Problems

SB185 - Let New Orleans Fix Their Own Gun Problems

"New Orleans has struggled with an epidemic of gun violence. New Orleans officials want to move forward with sorely needed solutions to gun violence but Louisiana state law bars its municipalities from enacting smart legislation for the people by the people. The hands of the New Orleans City Council and its mayor are tied."

- SUSAN GUIDRY & JASON WILLIAMS

New Orleans City Council Members

Hey Louisiana - You think your roads are bad now?

Hey Louisiana - You think your roads are bad now?

Our Louisiana roads are amongst the worst in the nation. Repairs are already underfunded via a gas tax and we have no new plans for additional funding sources. So, what happens when electric vehicles are the norm? Does Louisiana become the Blockbuster video of states? With our current political system, it's almost impossible to get elected without Oil & Gas money and almost as soon as they are elected, our elected officials have to start raising money for their reelection. This version of graft stands in the way of any real solutions.  

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?

New Orleans District B City Council Candidate Dr. Andre Strumer - 10.7.17

New Orleans District B City Council Candidate Dr. Andre Strumer - 10.7.17

Dr. Strumer discusses the impediments and obstructions he's faced during this election process seemingly because he doesn't have the routine New Orleans developer and construction connections and the campaign contributions which comes with those connections. Make It Fair doesn't endorse candidates, but it's clear we'll only have more of the same if we only listen to those taking the money. Let's stop money from being a megaphone.

New Orleans Mayoral Candidate Derrick Martin - Campaign Finance

New Orleans Mayoral Candidate Derrick Martin - Campaign Finance

New Orleans' Mayoral Candidate Derrick Martin discusses the challenges of running a political campaign as an Independent without giant coffers. Without campaign finance reform, will we continue to get more of the same? Are there candidates who deserve to be heard, but are in effect silent because money equals voice in the American political system? The answer is YES!

New Orleans Flooding | Make It Fair

New Orleans Flooding | Make It Fair

Make it Fair discusses New Orleans recent flooding event. The precarious combination of increased powerful rain events combined with an outdated, failing drainage system leave Nola vulnerable 12 years after Katrina. Why hasn't the money already been raised? Who needs to pay for it? Is our current political system and its election process part of the problem? Make it Fair would love to hear your feedback.

Healthcare. New Orleans' Mayoral Race. Money in Politics Strikes Again!

Healthcare. New Orleans' Mayoral Race. Money in Politics Strikes Again!

Make it Fair's Founder, retired physician Stuart Phillips and Host, Harmon Dash take a hard look at the recent events revolving around healthcare which highlighted the destructive force money plays in politics. Did our Members of Congress vote in their States' best interest or did they vote with a clear focus on the special interest money needed to get them re-elected? Is special interest money playing a role in our Mayoral race, New Orleans? Will it ever be fair as long as money is in politics?

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