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SuperPACs….Worse than you thought.

Posted on in Community, General

A report released this week addressed the political topic du jour….Super PACs.  While all of the presidential candidates, from both parties, have railed against the influence of outside money in campaigns, no one seems to be doing much about it.  In fact, just this week, the President announced that, even though he is ideologically opposed to “special interest” money in politics, his own SuperPAC would in fact be operational for the 2012 election.  This was trumped by GOP candidate Rick Santorum.  Santorum, after winning primary beauty contests in Colorado, Minnesota and Missouri, was on stage to give his victory speech, with none other than the chief contributor to his SuperPAC standing behind him.  This would be funny if it weren’t so troubling.  SuperPACs, by federal law, are supposed to be 100%, fully independent of any campaign or campaign agent…..let alone the candidate himself.  The fact that a major SuperPAC donor can stand on stage, on national television, with a candidate illuminates just how ridiculous our political system has become.  It gets worse before it gets better.  The report found the following:

  • This cycle, SuperPACs have raised $181M from fewer than 200 people.
  • 15 individuals have given $1M or more.  Reminder, the federal limit for an individual to a candidate is supposed to be $2,500
  • One couple has given $10M to Newt Gingrich’s presidential campaign. 
OK, so now on to the good.  Technology is the great equalizer for the people.  While individuals and SuperPACs can control the airwaves, the rise of information via the Internet levels the playing field. And within this space, there are new ways for us to engage politically.  Not only do we not need SuperPACs to get information…we no longer need parties for information and action.  Parties are not inherently bad, but they are no longer necessary.  Platforms like Ruck.us, Americans Elect, Popvox, and others allow us to connect with one another around issues, and act together.  Politics in its purest form.  Ideas>Issues>Connection>Action.  We hope you will join us.  
  

Comments

  • Nikki61344

    having seen the power of the social media lately, ie Komen and JC Penny, I am heartened.  Lets hope social media plays a larger part in our information gathering.  It’s harder to ‘spin’ when we can look up the facts.

    • Ray

      Agree completely, Nikki.  Thanks for commenting.

  • http://twitter.com/KristNovoselic Krist Novoselic

    RAY, A party should be the collective voice of like-minded people. Unfortunately, the two major parties are not providing this for people. I believe that reinvigorated association will change politics for the better. Citizens need to realize the power of having a party name on the ballot itself.

  • http://twitter.com/KristNovoselic Krist Novoselic

    Check it out – Illinois Green Party On-Line Presidential Nominations. http://www.ilgp.org/primary-ballot/ The convergence of political association (A Party) and social networking before our eyes.