No-Disclosure Campaign Contributions

By Douglas V. Gibbs

A commenter on Political Pistachio recently stated he preferred Constitutional (hereditary) Monarchy over a Constitutional Republic because the President is easily influenced by, and can be bought by, those that contribute to his campaign. Corruption sets in, and the politician becomes less about what is best for the nation, and more about giving perks and payback to those that propped him up with money.

Corruption in campaign contributions is the reason McCain and Feingold got together to sponsor a bill designed to curb corruption in the first place. These politicians figured that by limiting contributions by any one entity or person, it would keep politicians honest. However, McCain-Feingold limits the people, and their ability to freely give to the candidate they believe in.

Disclosure in politics is also referred to as transparency. Disclosure by public officials, and those working in the public sphere in Washington, is mandated by federal laws and Congressional rules. However, politicians are hardly transparent, as exhibited by the Obama Administration.

The reason the American People demand disclosure is to enourage accountability. If those who work in, or lobby, the U.S. Congress are subject to a number of disclosure regulations it will force them to not fall into a cycle of corruption, but it keeps the constituents happy as well.

But what about the disclosure to the politicians? Though we expect them to be open with us, why must we allow them to have all the information?

Let me clarify that statement. The cause of corruption in politics is often that the politicians want to do for those that do for them, giving perks and votes to those contributing the most money. So, what if the politicians, or at least while they are in office, didn't know where the money was coming from? How could they vote in favor of legislation their contributors wish them to vote in favor of, if they don't know who those contibutors are? Combined with term limits (which would also eliminate these cockroaches putting re-elections before doing what is right), wouldn't that put a stake in the heart of corruption?

Rather than an idiotic piece of reform like McCain-Feingold, why not put into place a "No-Disclosure of Campaign Contributors" law?

Then, maybe, we could focus on a politician's other avenues of corruption, like bending over backwards for globalists, or unconstitutional activities and proposals.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary