Public Funded Elections

[D.Rex]

I was watching the Colbert Report today (yes I know it is a comedy) and what the guy Steven interviewing said made sense to me. As of right now energy compainies are being allowed to make energy bills, medicare bills to make medical bills, and (at least in Massachusetts) nobody has a stronger hold on the government than car insurance companies. This occurs because these companies support and fund campaigns for the respective parties. But like anyone who supports someone they obviously respect things in return so when bills are made that deal with a certain compainies market it usually works out to the compainies advantage. These particular bills only benefit a few people. A metaphor he gave was the rising tide used to lift all boats now it only lifts the yachts. Now what this would mean is most likely more tax dollars during election years but the benefits would inculde elimination of bills and taxes that made by compainies. Instead of big business helping to run the government (which I think is the biggest problem) they would no longer be allowed to interfere. All it takes is either one of the parties in November to stand up and say that it is the right thing to do and there are people lobbying for it to happen. Now obviously this isn't some full proof solution that will end all corruption in every form but I think it's a pretty good idea that would work to benefit much more of society than the corporate influenced current system benefits. What does everyone else thing. Is it a good idea or a flawed one? Do you think it would work or even happen at all?

 

[Superman79]

Well, states like Arizona and Colorado I believe, have intituted a plan that lets a candidate run totally publicly funded. Unfortunatly, it give them the option, and really, candidates who get donations end up with much more $$. So taking public funding essentially hamstrings that PF candidate, bacause they are allowed ABSOULUTELY NO private donations...so people are none too excited about it.

Really if they could MAKE both candidates take the public funding then it might fly, but right now, neither side wishes to take the risk of handicapping oneself with public funds.

 

[lars573]

^Which is exactly how it works in Canada. You can raise money privately for a party. But you also get money from elections Canada. Based on how your percentage of the popular vote is.

 

[Big R]

If done right it seems like an okay idea to me.