Long ago, this country was founded on the principle that all men were created equal. But, that wasn't really the case. In fact, the only people allowed to vote were those who were white, male and property owners; this accounted for roughly 10-16% of the total population back at the foundation of our country. The shame of all of this was that it wasn't until almost 200 years later that women and people of color were given that same right - the right to vote.
Indeed, the inequalities that existed yesterday continue to this day. Take for example, running for political office. Again I want to reiterate that this country was founded on the principle that all men were created equal. Keeping that in mind, consider this - there have been estimates discussed recently in the news that in the 2008 Presidential Election, the cost of running will exceed $1 billion dollars. That's over $500 million per candidate (if we consider this a 2 party race - which I do).
Now we've seen one candidate after another opting out of public matching funds.
Who cares you might say? I do. I do very much.
This is the country that my father's parents, my grandparents, felt could provide the opportunities that didn't exist in their native country. My grandparents left a small village to create opportunities for their soon-to-be family. They wanted more for themselves and the family they wanted to have.
My grandparents came to this country with virtually nothing. My father was born in the midwest, as was my uncle. Both of them went on to graduate from college and, in my father's case, medical school. Imagine the pride my grandparents must have had learning that their sacrifices early in their lives would provide these opportunities for their two sons.
Now consider this - today we're roughly 2 years away from the next Presidential Election. There has been estimates tossed about, here and there, regarding the total cost of this upcoming election cycle. Those estimates coming in at around $1 billion dollars total, or $500 million dollars total per candidate.
All I can say is "what the frak???"
How can we call this country the land of opportunity when to run for the highest of political offices will cost each candidate upwards of $500 million dollars. I know I keep repeating myself; but I still can't fathom how it's come to be like this.
Now consider this - $500 million dollars is the cost of 2 new research laboratories being built at Harvard University; $500 million dollars is the cost of what it took to build the John Hancock Tower in the 1970s (costs being adjusted for inflation); $500 million dollars is 1/2 the cost of one B2 Stealth Bomber.
So, you tell me - do you know anyone who can afford a new state of the art laboratory, a 60 story skyscraper, or a stealth bomber? I don't think so and neither do I.
Which brings me back to my original point - this country was founded on the principle that all men are created equal. But, is it really? How can we say this is a country of equality when it takes $500 million dollars to run a Presidential campaign? It sickens me because the election system we have in place is horribly unfair.
The everyday man or woman on the street could never dream of attaining those kinds of funds to run for the highest of political offices in our country. Many everyday man and woman love this country. Many everyday men and women would like to see this country run in a more efficient and fair manner. Many everyday men and women would like for this country to exhibit transparency in all corners of government.
But, is it possible when it takes such extreme amounts of money to run for office?
This isn't only affecting the Presidential Elections; it's also affecting Senate and House races, too. Indeed, it's now creeping down to the State Senate and State House races across this country. So, where's the equality in that? Can a person living on a modest income possibly run for office without being influenced by donors who contribute large amounts of money? I don't think so. For the sake of this argument I'm thinking along the lines of a modest middle class income.
All of this gets me brings me to this point - it troubles me to think that some of the candidates are opting out of public matching funds. What troubles me most is that in the 2 decades I've been able to vote I still don't see any reasonable campaign finance reform. Indeed, I feel as though neither of the 2 big parties, Democrat and Republican, really want to change how campaigns are financed. And, if by chance a legislator does lend their support for reform, it usually doesn't get out of committee, or approved by a vote.
So, I'm frustrated. Frustrated with the entire election process in this country. I would feel honored to give back to my country after it gave my father, my grandparents, and my uncle their opportunities. I would feel honored to be elected to an office one day; whether it's as a local alderman, or a state rep, or even in my wildest dreams a seat in the House or Senate. I think it's important that fresh faces are included in this process. But, I don't see how that can happen when campaigns of today cost so much to run - especially when you consider that your chances of success are most likely based upon the dollar amount in your war chest.
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