More Money in Politics

Money in politics has always been a challenge to the integrity of our political system. How do we balance participation in the system, with the need to keep it as free from moneyed influence as we can? Since the time of Theodore Roosevelt to McCain-Feingold, federal and state laws have tried to minimize corruption or even the appearance of corruption.

Nobody gives away money. Isn't that common sense? Do you know anyone who gives away money? Money is an exchange. We pay for goods and services. It is that simple. We like hot dogs and beans for dinner on Saturday night. So we pay the grocer for the hot dogs and beans. Simple. Money makes the world go around. There is nothing wrong in that.

Unless we encounter people who pour huge sums into politics. Because we know that nobody gives away money. Nobody gets money for nothing. Much is expected from politicians who get much. Everyone knows this. Except the Supreme Court, which, in its 2010 decision, Citizens United, allowed corporations to give money, based on their "personhood" right to free speech and an earlier decision saying that money is speech.  This decision overturned over a century of anti-corruption legislation at the federal and state levels.

Who has more influence in a political situation? Someone who gives a politician a $25.00 contribution, or someone who can offer hundreds or thousands of times that amount? That is why Citizens United is so damaging. Money not only breeds corruption, it breeds cynicism in the system.  Are you happy with this situation?

Hang on to your hats! The current limit on individuals of $123,000 per election cycle limits free speech?! The Supreme Court will soon rule on the case McCutcheon vs. FEC in which one wealthy donor – along with the Republican National Committee – is asking the Supreme Court to let him put even more money directly into political campaigns. We all must hope that the Supreme Court will not rule that this limit should be eliminated!

Can we stand idly by and allow our country to be put up for bid?  From across the political spectrum, those concerned about the huge amounts of cash unions and corporations can toss into the political process are standing up. Move to Amend, a bipartisan national organization, is determined to amend the Constitution to prevent this. There are affiliates in every state and five in Massachusetts. Locally, we of North Shore Move to Amend are working to build support to achieve the difficult goal of overturning Supreme Court decisions that have damaged the integrity of our democracy. Check out what we are doing at: https://movetoamend.org/ma-salem.

We hope we will not also be addressing unlimited money from wealthy individuals!

Sincerely,

North Shore Move to Amend

Maureen Driscoll, Beverly

James J. Formichella, Gloucester

Marie Hall, Salem

Ellen Kaminski, Andover

Lysa Leland, Essex

Phyllis Leonard, W. Newbury

Kathleen Lique, Salem

Michael D. O'Connor, Rockport