Public Finance of Political Campaigns

By Patricia J. "Pat" Gray

Our government is now in the hands of corporations who make large 'contributions' or 'donations' to elected officials.

Politicians and elected officials accept large donations from corporations. These are named 'donations' or 'contributions', but I call them BRIBES!

These 'gifts' to the politicians come with strings attached. The money is not given without the expectations that it will benefit the contributor. Evidence indicates that these 'donations' are a fine investment by the contributor.

We, the people, need to stop this system of legal bribing. Never mind 'soft' money or 'hard' money. We must fund with public funds the campaigns of all valid candidates. We must provide equal funds for the candidates and time on the media.

The time of the campaign must be limited, and the access of the candidate to the voters must be equal. The candidates may not accept any other funds for their campaigns.

No corporation may take part in the campaign in any way. The political affairs of our nation must be limited to the participation of living breathing human beings.