We Must Get Money Out Of Politics | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

We Must Get Money Out Of Politics

Pulling the cord on a corrupt machine.

15
We Must Get Money Out Of Politics
gannett-cdn.com

Keeping money in politics will never have a positive outcome. It’s doesn’t matter what any of the party leaders tell you, money in politics is the blood at keeps the corruption in our government alive and well. It’s what puts dollars in the pockets of sellout politicians who make grave decisions based on their big donors. Don’t believe those that tell you it’s necessary to keep the party alive and functional, or those that claim their organizations donate it to charity. In one manner or another, that money is sailing right into the hands of the greedy, those who care for a paycheck and political power more than the well-being of their people. The key to having politicians who represent the people is to have grassroots campaigns that make a point of only accepting money from ordinary people and other groups that fight for the common man, and never from avarice fueled corporations that donate with an intention to sway politicians’ stances or gain advantage from a political outcome.

Never will there be a time when a corporate donation does not affect policy. Some may argue something along the lines of the democrats taking Wall Street’s economic power very seriously despite many major members including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton receiving large sums of money from them. I’d counter with the question, did they do enough? That’s the sly thing about politics; sometimes simply reducing the damage is a win. Progressive democrats as well as others that identify themselves outside of the party were never content with Obama’s approach or Clinton’s. Senator Sanders refused to take such donations, and his plan to break up big banks regardless of “risk factor” and implement a speculation tax was much more aggressive.

Cases of this can be found in almost every decision made by our politicians. Consider a case I personally hold close to heart as a future pharmacist and someone who was raised in New Jersey. A few months ago, an amendment led by Senator Sanders to lower prescription drug prices in the United States by importing the same exact drugs from Canada at a significantly lower price failed to pass. Although many people were responsible for its failure to pass by a slim margin, Democratic Senator Booker’s (NJ) vote against the amendment particularly interested me. This is because Senator Booker actually received an enormous $267,338 for the past six years since the failure of the amendment from the pharmaceutical industry. While some defend his vote by saying his state is the home of many pharmaceutical manufacturers, and the amendment would result in a loss of jobs, I doubt that would be the case. Rumor has it that Booker is considering running for president at some point in the future, and what would be a better incentive to vote against the amendment than the large funds he’s receiving from one of the most indisputably greedy and corrupt industries in the United States.

These are just a few examples about how accepting donations from special interests affects policy. However, they also affect the information we see and the bias narratives we are fed by “neutral” news outlets. Consider the Clinton Foundation and the substantial amounts of money they have received from various sources of news such as PBS, CNN, The New York Times, etc. All these news networks have donated large sums of money to the Clinton Foundation, and in return they often get access to exclusive stories or interviews. Simply put, news networks could pay a charitable organization and in return were given favors by the Clinton’s and the organization to obtain stories. While initially that doesn’t seem so bad, the end result is having those same news outlets releasing stories that are clearly bias in favor of the Clintons and corporate democrats. Simply comparing the title of the stories between unbiased sources such as the Associated Press or U.S. Uncut and those of donors such as CNN and The New York Times shows an abundantly clear contrast. The unbiased sources simply state what the article is discussing whereas donor sources often make their partners sound victorious or their enemies sound defeated before even reading the article. But that’s just scratching the surface. These donor sources are known for putting out bogus stories to spew hate or negative emotions toward their opposition as well as pinpointing specific situations and discussing an appealing side of situation rather than being comprehensive enough for readers to decide for themselves. Simply put, special donor donations for politicians not only affect policy but also affects the information we are receiving from sources that claim to be reputable and unbiased.

I only selected a few cases that I thought were relevant to explore this issue but it can be found in all shapes and forms, particularly in American politics. I also spoke critically of the Democrats, but this does not rule out Republicans either; as corrupt as the Democrats may be, Republicans run almost exclusively on avarice and whatever puts the most money into their pockets as well as the upper class. Nevertheless, the issue is evident among both classes, and initiative must be taken to elect leaders who thrive on their supporters and make a point to not accept donations from special interest. It is vital in order to keep politics clean and ensure that it represents the people and not those with enough pocket change to stir American politics in their favor.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

181815
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

8650
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453485
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

23904
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments