U.S. Politics - How Can This Make Sense?
Why read: Because if the statistics quoted in this commentary are even close to being accurate - which I have not independently verified - you ought to know and think hard about them.
Commentary: A recent article suggests that of all Americans:
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0.26% give more than $200 to congressional campaigns;
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.05% give the maximum amount to any congressional candidate (which for individual contributions is $2,500 - see Contribution Limits 2011-12;
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.01% give more than 10,000 in any election cycle; and
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.000063 (or 196) have given more than 80% of super-PAC (Political Action Committee) money spent to mid-2012 on this year's presidential election campaigns.
The obvious question that arises from this is: following from the foregoing, how much influence does a very tiny (or even microscopic) percentage of the American population wield on American politics and ultimately legislation?
My own answer is that in a country that holds wealth in very high esteem, almost certainly a very great deal of influence. Assuming I am right, I can't see how that augers well for America going forward.
I suggest you think about the foregoing and reach your own conclusion.
Topical Reference: Big Campaign Spending: Government by the 1%, from The Atlantic, Lawrence Lessig, July 10, 2012 - reading time 2 minutes.
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Author: Ian Campbell
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