NVR--Candidates and their campaign fund contributors
In trying to keep informed about the Presidential candidates' platforms and goals, I've also realized that their campaign fundraising practices are equally important to understand. Consider your top-choice candidate(s) ...you would like to think that their platform(s)--if implemented as promised--would be great for our country's citizens. But we need to consider WHERE these people are getting their money.....
You can pretty much predict what sort of actions a potential president will take in office when you look at who is funding his/her campaign:
moneymoneymoneyMOh-NAY! <--- click around, see the many sources of candidates' funding! Browse around the site, check out the links on the left side of the page (particularly the "money web"), and you just might be surprised who's getting what and from where.
Pharmaceutical companies...don't really care about the health and well-being of its customers, they're all for profit. That's why so many dangerous drugs are FDA approved without substantial testing...why they can get away with charging WAY more for products than they need for research, development, and advertising (I'll dig up some source links if you need me to). Candidates who receive tons of support from these companies are most likely going to cater to their interests, not ours...which is part of why the US HC system is so whacked as it is.
Oil companies...well, do you really trust them? Do you really trust what a candidate says about renewable energy and environmental conservation when they're getting so much money from oil companies??
The tobacco industry...do you trust a candidate's proclaimed concern for the health of American citizens, their plans for improving our healthcare system, if they're getting huge contributions from tobacco companies? Those companies like to tack their claim of "corporate responsibility" onto their public image, bragging about anti-smoking ads and warning labels, but we all know that a reduction in customer base and lower profits are NOT their real goals.
.....I'm not saying who you should caucus or vote for, I'm just encouraging further investigation into the big issues that we as voters must face in the coming months.
thoughts, comments??
Perhaps some of you have a better understanding of the FEC and PACs and whatnot...I'd love to learn more...Let's hear it!
yes! campaign funding is definitely one of the biggest predictors of who the legislation, etc. they introduce is going to protect. *cough* kucinich *cough* doesn't accept any corporate sponsorship ::). I don't think gravel does either. How nice would it be to have a president that isn't controlled by the corporate world?
edit: cool site, CW
...yeah, the bf and I have been discussing these matters lately, but it was your comments about this in the chat room the other night that reminded me to post this.
yes! campaign funding is definitely one of the biggest predictors of who the legislation, etc. they introduce is going to protect. *cough* kucinich *cough* doesn't accept any corporate sponsorship ::). I don't think gravel does either. How nice would it be to have a president that isn't controlled by the corporate world?
I also understand that Edwards is pretty good about where he gets his financial support (largely banks and investment co.s)....AND, he's (I believe, so far) the only Dem endorsed by Iowans for Sensible Priorities, of whom Working Families Win is a local partner. It's part of TrueMajorityDOTorg, which was "co-founded"/sponsored by Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's!! (so sometimes they give out free ice cream at events...but I've never partaken in any of that dairy-laden business.. :'(
These are groups that I've been involved with for a while now...they simply advocate peace, stability, security, and sustainability for our citizens and resources, basically.
One of IfSP's field organizers was involved in a lot of progressive groups on campus/around the community, and A buddy of mine (a young-ish musician dude who's VERY active in local politics, etc.) has driven the PIG MOBILE around the Cedar Valley area, and we've had the CarnyMobile on campus recently...and I (and several other UNI students) have about a million of those scroll-out pens, car magnets, and at least one of the fold-out "priorities campaign" frisbees that Stephen Colbert has shown off in the Report. I've even got a lapel pin!!
True Majority has this informative and adorably-animated cartoon demonstration of what they hope to accomplish for America's future.
...but I digress!...The sensible priorities campaign is one of MY advocacy groups that I support, because they pretty much stand for much of the changes and actions that (I think) need to happen for this country to thrive in a healthier fashion....
But it's up to YOU to determine which candidates stand for YOUR priorities, and how their financial backing will influence their decisions.
/ I'm really link-happy tonight. it's because I really REALLY want to let you all in on this stuff....take it anyway you like. 8)
no one else cares about this stuff?
VJ cares(!) A bit busy at the time, but I might be back later with some 2 cents/input. For the time being though, I'm curious as to people's opinion about former Libertarian turned Republican Ron Paul(?) You might like him, carrot_wench, since he is very anti big pharma(!) (among many other outstandimg qualities/positions!!) You and others may 1-2 check out his site at ronpaul2008.com (I believe). Also, he's often mentioned and/or presented on the Robert Scott Bell show (radio). For more details and/or times and stations in your area you can go to rsbell.com
May you keep up the good work and concern carrot_wench! And you too, hespedal!
P.s. Can someone tell me how to print the websites in blue so they can be clickable?
Actually, I do like Ron Paul.
I like Kucinich more, but let's for instance say that Kucinich didn't make it through the primaries and Paul did. I would vote Paul.
I really wish we could get Kucinich/Paul as pres./VP, because I heard somewhere if Kucinich made it through and Paul didn't that would be a possibility. I think that would be pretty sweet.