What We Need is an Effective Citizens Lobby

Over the last five years many people have suggested I start a third political party; a party that represents the broad independence who are seeking both common sense, the common good, and personal freedom. After watching the health care debate and seeing this mess that we have created, I am convinced that we don’t need another political party. The problem is that large economic interests have figured out how to corrupt all political parties. It matters not whether you are a Democrat or Republican, the system itself is corrupting. We don’t need another political party, what we need is a very effective Citizens Lobby. Lobbyists are those who are actually writing the laws and putting them in the hands of our legislatures. It is time that we write our own laws and do away with laws that reward misbehavior. At least that’s how I am thinking today.

The Power of Money

It is really sad to see the state of track and field these days. We have a new runner, Usain Bolt, who is breaking records in the 100 and 200 meters like no other human has done before. Unfortunately, three of his training partners have tested positive for new exotic drugs. This is definitely part of our time. It isn’t about sports; it’s all about money. Of course, professional sports have always been about money, but because so much money is involved, and because medicine is so advanced, it’s unlikely that we can stay ahead of people who cheat. The sick thing is wondering if these records really count. But, when the whole world is focused on money, it’s easy to see how corruption slips into every nook and cranny of things we otherwise would enjoy.

Absence of Corruption

Corruption is giving special advantages like regulatory exceptions, tax breaks, subsidies, and government contracts to specific people, companies and industries in secret, usually in exchange for money, support, or future jobs.  Sometimes it is legal because politicians create loopholes allowing them to be immoral without breaking the law.  It’s still wrong.  Corruption, especially bribery and favors in any disguise cripples a society and stifles an economy.  We cannot allow the rich, powerful and wellborn to have immoral advantages over the honest, hardworking and responsible.  When corruption destroys the confidence of citizens, law is flaunted and everyone is encouraged to get away with everything they can.  When citizens become cynical, civic trust erodes.  We need strong bipartisan legislation to end all pork barreling and special interest legislation.  No loopholes.  None

This is our agenda.  And now we need you.  We need your best most thoughtful ideas about how we as a nation might create laws and establish policies to make these imperatives rise again in American life.  Every so often we’ll all vote on the best ideas and send them to our elected representatives and hold them accountable for real action. It’s past time.  Let’s put the future in our hands.