Hello Flash,
Originally Posted by
Flash
I generally agree but I don't think we are as helpless as your description. Members spend much more time today in their district and meet with groups often and hold town hall meetings. Also, tourists and groups in D. C. regularly get meetings with their rep even if they did not give money. Even when members are fund raising they often do it through small meetings in people's homes which gives you a chance to talk with them without giving money.
After all, personal contact is the best way to win votes and meeting constituents wins more votes than money (it just doesn't reach nearly as many people). I have been to D. C. as a tourist and met with my Senator in his office, got a pass for a White House tour from my rep, and got a tour of the capital from my rep. They control the tours so you have to go to them.
I disagree about the advantage it gives to the rich because candidates don't usually spend their own money so being rich is not necessary. Also, there are many examples of very rich people who spent millions of their own funds and did very poorly. President Obama raised a lot of money on the internet through relatively small contributions--so millions from a lot of people is just as good as millions for wealthy donors.
Losers often say they lost because they had no funds, but funds go to those who have support. They don't have support because they spent money.
I'm glad you agree we should have better communication with our Representatives, and that it is not in our best interest that they spend most of their efforts as elected officials trying to get reelected.
Most people cannot afford to go to DC to get a tour with their Rep.
And yes, the rich do have more power because the money the Reps are spending to get reelected more often comes from rich corporations than individuals.
Personal Ignore Policy PIP: I like civil discourse. I will give you all the respect in the world if you respect me. Mouth off to me, or express overt racism, you will be PERMANENTLY Ignore Listed. Zero tolerance. No exceptions. I'll never read a word you write, even if quoted by another, nor respond to you, nor participate in your threads. ... Ignore the shallow. Cherish the thoughtful. Long Live Civil Discourse, Mutual Respect, and Good Debate! ps: Feel free to adopt my PIP. It works well.
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