Should Politicians Be Allowed To Take $$ and Gifts From Special Interests?
 

It just doesn't make sense to me. As long as our elected officials take money from corporate interests, how do the regular people expect to benefit evenly or fairly?

For example: As long as congress is allowed to take money from oil companies, are we really ever going to direct our attention and resources towards alternate energy?

I can list MANY other scenarios, but that one is as fresh as today's headlines..

Discuss...

repeal the 17th amendment

Maybe you're right.

What does the 17th amendment state, when was it added to our laws, and why?

This is the kind of drastic big government change I would like to see the Tea Party (or any other movement) try to push.

It was pushed by the progressive movement in the early part of the 1900s. It was pushed because some states were dragging their feet appointing senators. The real reason was to give the federal government more power. But as you see the side effects are pretty bad. Lobbyists are everywhere and senators not representing the people but rather big business.

No chance of getting that law passed. Too many fat cats rely on the money.

No. It's pretty simple. No.

They have 1 special interest: the people they represent. Not businesses or industries. Businesses are a legal document. People are what comprise a politicians constituency, and anything smelling of the most remote possibility of impropriety should not be allowed or tolerated.

Somebody has to pay for those multi-million dollar campaigns.

The politicians here have to register all their outside interests so that you can see who is paying them for stuff.

House of Commons: The Register of Members' Financial Interests

not allowed in almost any other country

With the exception of the elected officials, I would imagine 99% of the actual population would be in favor of eliminating special interest money altogether.

Now THAT is a grass roots movement I think EVERYONE could get behind.

Then you would have a great People-vs-Washington battle that would be worth fighting!

I don't even think it would be a Right vs Left issue either.... everyone would be onboard!

Now THAT would be revolutionary!

Plain and simple answer, NO!

From sports to politics...anyone with any power will always get gifts/favours in some way or another.......

Of course not but will a end to it ever happen.. Umm no..

You don't have to be very smart to figure out when millions are spent to get a job that pays a few hundred k, that something is wrong with the picture.

Yes, but only if they want to go to jail for a very long time.

The mayor of LA seems to have no issue with it

i think the only answer is NO!

politicians shouldnt be taking money from anyone.... money = debt. i dont want my elected officials owing anyone shit!

you cant get a certain security clearance's if you have too high a debt to income ratio.... maybe politicians should be held to the same?

Why else would someone spend millions to get a job that pays thousands?


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Anybody can receive a gift.
No rule is going to stop that.

Legally corporations/businesses can only contribute to campaigns...and the Supreme Court has ruled that money equals free speech...so it will not end...unless a future ruling by the Supreme Court rules otherwise.

Very good point!

Politicians taking bribe money needs to stop ASAP. The country needs to be for the people again, not for the highest bidders.

I completely agree, lobbyists/special interest groups only corrupt the senate and house. They need to get rid of them. I don't think we should repeal the 17th amendment. Senators should be elected by popular vote. However, I think we need another amendment that lets the people vote to impeach a senator should they not do their job (aka, the will of the people).


Spanx!
Jack

no .