OK..OK...it's not a perfect idea by any stretch. But by the same token, removing some or most of the negative influences would improve the system somewhat, IMHO
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OK..OK...it's not a perfect idea by any stretch. But by the same token, removing some or most of the negative influences would improve the system somewhat, IMHO
I agree with you RC, the media is a loose cannon. The attempt to keep them fair (equal time) is easily bypassed by using their own editorials instead of giving candidates a direct line through the media.
This has been tracked and studied through many recent political campaigns. It notes two things, the media tends to be far more favorable in its reporting of Democrats than Republicans and the media will attack any candidate visciously if true scandal arises that will attract a large audience.
This can be seen time and again. A minor Democratic scandal is quickly set aside while a minor Republican scandal is blown out of proportion. However, Dem or Rep, a major scandal sells and is reported vigorously and with great entertainment.
One final thing that I would like to note, this country is almost unique in that the founding fathers revolted while most of the country lived in relative prosperity. Most revolutions are fomented on poverty, hunger, and deprivation. Currently I do not think the American people are in this state, neither are we fostering the sense of selfless conviction which drove the Revolutionary movement to found this Republic. I am not advocating revolution, the time is not right, the situation not so desperate. I do feel though that we have allowed bread and circuses to limit the amount we involve ourselves in our Government. At a minimum we should vote, if you don't vote, shut up about politics. I further believe that we should donate our resources to help change those things we feel are important and possible. This can be money or time with time being better than money.
Truthfully this cause is not one I am willing to donate either for. I have my causes and have donated both. I do believe we will see significant campaign finance reform because it primarily hurts the incumbents. Who is going to vote for something that betters the chance of them losing their jobs. When the Republicans are the majority the Democrats yell for reform, when the Democrats are the majority the Republicans do. Yes, the other groups yell all the time but I believe if they got into power (even my favorite Libertarian Party) then they would probably stop yelling for that and pursue other issues. In fact I hope so since there are other, far more important, issues that should be addressed first.