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.
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.
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.
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.”
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Make It Fair Founder Dr. Stuart Phillips and Host Harmon Dash discuss how access to early detection has saved lives and dramatically lowered costs. If money is the issue, why are so many opposed to continuing with accessible health care? Tell us your thoughts.
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 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!
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.
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?
Today Harmon is sitting down with Dr. MarkAlian Dery, an infectious disease doctor here in New Orleans to talk about the challenges our country faces in healthcare. Video coming soon!
Our host, Harmon Dash, sits down with the founder of Indivisible NOLA, Joyce Vansean, for a conversation about social justice, quality of life, and activism in the New Orleans area.
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