...finance reform!

From Kos:

http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2007/02/05/campaign_finance/print.html

Essentially, people would be free to contribute to parties and people, but those contributions would be anonymized so politicians would not know if they had actually done it or not.

Here is the Kos discussion: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/2/7/113354/9182

I like it in principle, but I have an even crazier idea.

An account, like an escrow, is created for all political contributions. The current contributors would have a much simpler task. Citizens, special interests, our corporations and the corporations abroad could voluntarily contribute to this, "Slush Fund of Democracy." No sane person could possibly imagine backing one horse when the race is what we all believe in, right?

After the filing deadlines pass, each hopeful gets exactly the same amount of funding. The candidate that is the smartest with the money and the best at connecting with his or her constituents, wins. Unused money goes directly to education to ensure that the people of this land make smart choices forever.

Interesting concepts, but don't forget, the big contributions come from people wanting to buy favors. If they were anonymous, contributions would dry up.

We have the best politicians money can buy.

Deane, I agree with you. In our current climate, my idea is pretty far fetched in practice.

I voted this past year for a fellow who took the time to go door to door through his whole district. To folks like me, and I suspect many others, the side of the aisle means nothing if a candidate is willing to meet the neighbors in person and hear them out.

Corrupt as things have always been, I still like the idea of a good old fashioned stump. If the well dries up, our politicians would have to be creative. I hope that is what we are asking them to be in the first place.

"Interesting concepts, but don't forget, the big contributions come from people wanting to buy favors. If they were anonymous, contributions would dry up.

We have the best politicians money can buy."

I agree. And to just go on the honor system and not tell a politician that I just made a 50,000 dollar campaign donation on a certain date and a certain time is placing WAY more trust in either side than I have to dole out.

I say ZERO campaign donations. None. Get poeple out there working for you maybe. Heck, I don't know.

Here's an idea from Europe - cut the campaign down to between 60-90 days. Any and all contributions can only be spent during the specified time period. This gets around the First Amendment snag of freedom of expression, which has been ruled to include political contributions. It also fits with the consitutionality of being able to impose time, place and manner restrictions on free speech. And, the American people would breath a collective sigh of relief.

The only problem I can see is that during this 2-3 month "campaign season" all stations with ad time to sell would flip to an All Politics format.

"97.1 Charlie FM - We Smear Everything"

Since pornography is considered 'free speech' by the left, don't be shocked that monetary political donations are considered 'free speech' by the right.

Herb

I like several of the ideas. Combine them and there may be a good solution.

Divvy up the $ evenly for a 90 day campaign run with donations having complete anonymity.

Also, you can only draw from the "fund" for 2 campaign/election cycles. This would go hand in hand with the 2 term limit that should be imposed on ALL politicians, federal, state and local.

Puts an end to career politicians.

I can see the headlines now; pdxradio.com users solve political campaign corruptness!!!!

I like it!

Skybill...you sound pretty educated but are kind of forgetfull......on my trip through this afternoon you forgot to ask me if I needed any hot sauce for my Taco's! LOL

OH Yah....and no way in hell do I want any of them thar thrice fried beans! LOL

Darktemper, Sorry. I suffer from CRS. I'll try and do better next time!

Make sure ya do....don't want to have to complain to your boss....ya know the dude with a master's degree in business admin! LOL Gonna pay off those ol college loans really quick!

BTW.....CRS "Can't Remember Sauce" and the Bell not a good combo!

"Since pornography is considered 'free speech' by the left, don't be shocked that monetary political donations are considered 'free speech' by the right."

You hit the proverbial nail on the head, Herb. One general way to look at the differences between progressive and conservative policies is that progressives value social freedom, while conservatives value economic freedom.

Conversely, progressives seek to use government to control economic issues, while conservatives seek to control social issues.

This comes from what each side sees as 1) the most important rights that need protecting, and 2) the greatest potential source of oppression.

It's a helpful way to frame the perspectives of the political left and right.

Darktemper, Ooops, must not have been me. I thought you were talking about good Mexican food like Los Jalapenos!

Hmmm....Posting has really slowed down since 9:00. Everybody (me too) must be watching Lost!

Or the loser rejects on America's Idiot! LOL

At least the quality posters are present right now ! LMAO

Agreed!!!

Just saw a lame commercial on America's Idiot...105.1 The Buzz...Nelson and Terry driving while talking on two cell phones! You know they actually fit in well in that time slot....!!!! LMAO

Actually, monatary donations are considered free speach by the Supreme Court.

And it is, its a way for someone to make their views known.

And while I dont consider pornography to be covered by free speach, I do consider the way someone wants to dress to be covered by it, and I dont think nudity is pornography.

And I'm about as conservative as they come, when taking political science courses in Colorado in the 70's, I was considered to be the resident fascist.