CBS 2 School: Miner Problems
Watching the Chilean President this week hug each of the rescued miners has been an unforgettable scene. Being trapped below the earth's surface for over two months these 33 miners have captured the attention of the world. Books and movies will follow. We were all held captive to the deep mysteries of the underworld wondering if relief was even possible?
Sounds a little bit like the issue of campaign finance reform.
The problem, however, is no one gives our problem much attention.
The grand underworld of American politics is the role played by money in campaigns and elections. In the 2008 Federal election cycle over $6 billion was spent by candidates, political parties, political committees, independent groups and the U.S. taxpayer.
The presidential candidates alone spent close to $2 billion. That was a 150% increase over what was spent in 2004.
According to a recent survey clear majorities of Americans disapprove of the large amounts of money associated with winning elections. Money corrupts. Fat cats and politics is a bad combination. It challenges our belief in "justice for all." Or so most of us think.
Yet no help is in sight.
The government's attempt to address the money issue has not seemed to help. Congress and the President treat campaign money like a shell game. The Court's see it as a perception problem. At best, any talk of campaign finance reform results in more bloviating. So called reform has not reduced the influence of money in our elections.
The affect of big money in American politics is no minor problem.
The questions remains, how deep are we willing to go to address the problem of money in politics?
When we picture our President with outstretched arms we might ask who is he talking to? Too often it appears only those with an open check book are invited to the Party.
Perhaps our only hope is a minor party to start digging us out. I am waiting to be rescued.
