On Wed, 19 Nov 2003 05:03:20 GMT, Larry Jaques
wrote:


One can buy a politician nowadays, y'know. Just donate a million
bucks to his campaign fund. If Candidates A, B, C, and D received
$400, $25k, $125k, and $14M for their campaign and donors were
listed, who do you think would be a bought (wo)man? Now put it
all into a kitty containing $14,150,400. Each candidate now gets
$3,537,600 to run their campaign but nobody knows who donated
what and no single man was bought. (Of course, the large donor
probably wouldn't be putting that much into the fund, would he?)
Wouldn't you feel better listening to all the candidates equally
vs. just the one who had the money to run 400 commercials and buy
double spreads in the newspaper? I'd like to slow, if not stop,
the corruption in our government.

Our state government had a proposal that politicians election
expenses be paid from public funds. There was a stink when it came
out that the opposition party had secretly agreed to it and it was
quietly dropped.

I actually think it is a good idea.

Each candidate be allowed one A4 leaflet per elector at public
expense, to be bundled in one envelope with all the other candidates
leaflets and posted in one mailing.

Thats it

- no radio/TV/magazine advertising/lies, including political party
advertising.

If all candidates agree, they may have a radio/tv debate with each
allowed equal time - wouldn't that make the top rating!

The candidates may hold as many rallies/meetings etc as they want
to explain their policies in their electorate. Councils/cities
should be required to permit rallies in public parks/halls at no
charge to all candidates but any expenses such as private hall hire to
come from their own pockets and be a non deductible expense. Any cash
donations by others would automatically disqualify the candidate from
office. Supporters would not be prevented from canvassing on the
candidates behalf, which is as it should be.
One can always tell them to bugger off - but do it politely -
PLEASE bugger off VBG
Alan
in beautiful Golden Bay, Western Oz, South 32.25.42, East 115.45.44 GMT+8
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