I have heard some voters comment that "I vote for the person" or "I vote on the issues" or "I'm an Independent, so I vote either way." We are far past the time for voters to get educated. Last I heard, less than 10% of Americans know the issues at a given time. Why does this matter? Because while you posture away and wrap yourself around ignorance, our government is swiftly devolving from a Republic to a Corporatocracy.
We knew our representatives--both state & federal--were pretty much bought off by Big Business (call them Lobbyists or special interests if you like). Now by the normal standard (since Bush Admin) of 5-4, the Supreme Court just decided on a case that affects this country to the very core. In Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission, your conservative-led Court just decided that corporations, since they are considered persons (bet you didn't know that), could not be limited in political campaign spending.
Wait, think about it now. Some examples to elucidate:
1. Exxon can now contribute those billions of excess dollars it reaped the last few years into pro-drilling and mining candidates.
2. Wall Street Banks can now contribute their extra cash into conservative coffers to stop any reform to force them to clean up their act.
3. WalMart can toss cash into conservative campaigns to keep from having to pay living wages or healthcare benefits to its workers.
4. Sony can put money into campaign election funds to stop any proposed tariffs on electronic imports.
5. China Life Insurance Company can donate money to any candidate who opposes insurance reform.
Wait. Stop. We're talking foreign companies here!?!? So the Supreme Court says it is okedoke for China to give money to American elected officials in order to prevent regulations, to allow inferior and often unhealthy products, to essentially take hold of our government? Note the title of this blog--scary stuff, huh?
Many conservatives are nodding about what a great thing this decision was; that it took the choke hold off the poor companies who simply wanted to be allowed to contribute just as you & I (real, warm bodies) can. Poor, poor companies who now have the 5-4 approval of the Supreme Court to set back democracy to pre Marbury vs Madison days. To the horror of our founding fathers, this case essentially made the Supreme Court more powerful than the other two branches of govt. It was not the original intention of the framers of our constitution.
So, how does all this tie into American voter knowledge? When you go to the polls and you're standing there scratching your head because you are clueless on the issues, think about one thing: the Supreme Court. Who picks the SC candidates? The President. So when you vote, do you want a President who will offer more equitable candidates or one who has a conservative, political agenda? Thank about that before you toss that vote away.
