The last vestiges of democracy have been swept away

[dpareja]

http://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/13pdf/12-536_e1pf.pdf

Basically, in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Comm'n the US Supreme Court has decided that there's really no limit to how much someone can contribute to political campaigns. The ruling was not even a majority opinion, but five justices agreed with the judgment. (No prize for guessing which five without looking.)

Here's an article looking at some of the ramifications:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/new-u-s-election-rules-open-donation-spigots-for-the-very-rich-1.2598594

[Askold]

...And the very first comment in the article is about ACORN.

[Ultimate Paragon]

Actually, many studies have shown that money doesn't impact an election as much as you'd think.

http://freakonomics.com/2012/01/12/does-money-really-buy-elections-a-new-marketplace-podcast-full-transcript/

[Barbarella]

And really, what does the money really do? Snazzier commercials? I won't lose hope. Also, who's to say that Democrats can't take advantage of the law? Besides, despite the boatloads of wingnut money, Obama was STILL reelected.

I've come down to the conclusion than the media is big on alarmist silliness & making bad things a lot worse.

This isn't good news under any stretch of the imagination but I wouldn't throw in the towel. That's what the "Media Masters" are counting on. Same for the "Nate Silver/Democratic Midterm" thing. Some reports are actually anti-progressive "Tokyo Rose"-style propaganda. Sure, Nate's predictions might be right under normal circumstances but this is the "Wacky Tealiban GOP" were talking about, here! Also, there's the success of Obamacare. For the wingnuts, getting rid of Obamacare would be political suicide! They're in a corner & this new ruling is just an act of desperation.

All that needs to be done is for progressive, sane Americans to "Get out the vote".

[Ghoti]

Money doesn't sway elections as much as everyone thinks it does, but it's a hell of an incentive for the folks who are already in power to make things harder for the average joe. The example that comes to mind is the Asshole of the Day from a week or two back restricting alternate forms of voting (mail-in, ect) while giving campaign contributors an extra seven weeks to send him money. Besides, the notion that "money = free speech" is inherently absurd and discriminatory.

[Sixth Monarchist]

The regional governors now have direct control over their territories. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station erm, lack of campaign money?

[niam2023]

Okay, so America's officially become an episode of The Borgias.

Wow. You go Supreme Court/sarcasm.

[ironbite]

What does money do in terms of elections?  Buy things.  Things that win elections.  Things like commercial time, sign-age, workers, votes.  That's what money does.

Ironbite-only hope I have is that some of the big corporations realize how bad this is gonna make things.

[Cataclysm]

And really, what does the money really do? Snazzier commercials? I won't lose hope. Also, who's to say that Democrats can't take advantage of the law? Besides, despite the boatloads of wingnut money, Obama was STILL reelected.

The lesser of two neocons, hardly a gain.

[Art Vandelay]

And really, what does the money really do? Snazzier commercials?

That's what it buys for the politicians. However, what it means for the donor (that is having that candidate in your pocket, should (s)he be elected) is of far greater concern.

I won't lose hope. Also, who's to say that Democrats can't take advantage of the law?

They do, that's kind of the problem. The dems are just a little better at hiding any corporate influence than the Republicans.

[Ironchew]

And really, what does the money really do? Snazzier commercials?

It's a signal to politicians that they need backing from Wall Street and other corporate-friendly individuals. Once in office, donors remind them to pass legislation that will further the donor's cause and/or ignore illegal activity because "it would be a shame if something happened to your [re-election / future job prospects in the government-corporate revolving door]."

Bribing congresspeople has a massive return on investment. It's kind of why the whole campaign finance reform movement is an important thing.

Besides, despite the boatloads of wingnut money, Obama was STILL reelected.

Very much because of the buttloads of corporate money in his campaign, the Obama administration's policy decisions (especially foreign and economic policy) have been nigh-indistinguishable from plutocratic administrations in the past.

[Barbarella]

So, if we're doomed (and were not) what do you say we do about this? No voting has been a bust. Voting doesn't do much. So, since we're the good & the majority, what do you say we do?

I'll tell you....WE RUN FOR OFFICE & beat them at their own game.

If worse comes to worse, we'll all move to Scandinavia & regroup.

[Barbarella]

You will laugh at this, but I'm saying this as a NeoPagan and aspiring magickal practitioner....I'm going two comprise a list of the worst of these guys then use Hoodoo Rootwork to "rub 'em out", one by one!

That's fine, laugh.....I don't care anymore........

Keep in mind that these guys are also big on "frummie religion" and "Spiritual Warfare" is big with them. They have been "hexing" Progressives into faliure and apathy & IT WORKS!

[I am lizard]

Remember, we can't regulate corporations, police and government surveillance, or the military because the socialists/terrorists/Iranian nukes will destroy are American Way/jobs/Freedoms.

[Witchyjoshy]

You will laugh at this, but I'm saying this as a NeoPagan and aspiring magickal practitioner....I'm going two comprise a list of the worst of these guys then use Hoodoo Rootwork to "rub 'em out", one by one!

That's fine, laugh.....I don't care anymore........

Keep in mind that these guys are also big on "frummie religion" and "Spiritual Warfare" is big with them. They have been "hexing" Progressives into faliure and apathy & IT WORKS!

I missed you while I was gone, Spuki.

This is also the darkest I've seen you yet.  I'm not sure I disapprove XD