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Mercnbeth -> RE: Obama doesn't get it. (9/17/2008 11:19:31 AM)
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I came to understand the 'why' that I was constantly searching for by spending more time than I'd like to think about on a site called "Open Secrets". It takes information from the public record and consolidates it. You can understand why a 'Bridge to Nowhere' was considered if you look at the PAC money provided by Alaskan road construction companies.
Think about it, the Presidency is a very visible position. Once there, you can't take a trip fact finding trip to Tokyo paid for by the US Beef industry lobbyists to check out Kobi cattle production. A Congressman doesn't have that problem, and as tip money gets $10k to support a high tariff on imported beef. Name the industry and it has a lobbyist, most have 1000's.
This fact from the site points to the impossibility of change. The number 3, actually #2 since 'Other' represents the second highest PAC money total, is Lawyers and Lobbyists. They donated $175 Million to various campaigns. 74% of which went to Democratic candidates. Compared to the Banking industry's $311 Million having a 51%/49% split favoring Republicans. Source: http://www.opensecrets.org/overview/sectors.php
Unless there is a source prepared to pony up replacement money - Lawyers, and their candidates, will be running the country for the foreseeable future.
It is the 'smoking gun' for just about ever special interest law being passed to the detriment of the majority of US taxpayers. Follow the money - here's the source: http://www.opensecrets.org/
To your question regarding the MBNA (There are a few PACS they manage, I picked MBNA - America): Top recipient was President Bush; $356,350.
Congress:
House
Oxley, Michael G
$71,500
House
Castle, Michael N
$57,250
Senate
Biden, Joseph R Jr
$56,625
Senate
Carper, Tom
$51,547
(Source: http://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/toprecips.php?id=D000000114&type=P&sort=A&cycle=2004 )
I warn you, don't go poking around on that site. It is VERY disheartening to discover the truth about Bills that pass, and we pay for, in Congress. Sure, every four years they play this game where we get to attack each other about who is supporting the worst candidate for the Presidency. Meanwhile-ALL the candidates, and their votes, have been bought and paid.
It's why I say you can only make a statement by voting 'NO' to anyone running as an incumbent. They do not represent you. There is only one political party - PAC; representing 100% of the Congress, as well as the Presidency, and by the titular 'approval' process the Supreme Court as well.
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