opinion

Let’s put people in power, not dollars: Neeley

“Men are less hesitant about harming someone who makes himself loved than one who makes himself feared because love is held together by a chain of obligation which, since men are wretched creatures, is broken on every occasion in which their own interests are concerned …”

— Niccolo Machiavelli, “The Prince”

We only have six more months. In November of 2018 in the United States of America, each and every eligible citizen’s primary concern should be to vote in the midterm elections. It has become clear to us that money runs American politics and might have already run away with it.

In 2010, the Supreme Court decided in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that the principle of donations and contributions of money to the campaigns of elected officials (at all levels of government) is a form of political speech protected by the First Amendment.

This ruling not only protected that right to the individual, but to corporations and labor unions as well. This ruling allowed affluent individuals as well as corporations and lobbyists the essential “power of the purse.” This power, the delegation of U.S. dollars to sway and prioritize public policy, could no longer be found within the chambers of Congress, but instead found its way into the pockets of the wealthiest and greediest of Americans. Democracy in the United States was forever changed.

Citizens United changed the electoral process into a system that breeds performers, not leaders. In the current political system, money buys influence and the wolves in their suits and ties on Capitol Hill adhere to where the dollar goes and where it comes from in public policy. Politicians, once elected, are no longer beholden to their constituents but to the corporations and lobbyists that paid for their campaigns. Our elected leaders become no better than the monkeys who dance while the organ grinder winds the tune.

So, congressional represntatives, senators, Mr. President — dance, you monkeys, dance. Dance for the dollars that you feel that you so desperately need to be elected. You are dancing but you are not leading this country nor serving the voters who elected you into office.

Take heed to my words, the American public which seemed disengaged from our democratic process and left asleep at the wheel have awakened and are coming to the polls in November. It is time for “politician” to mean public servant once again.

Logan Neeley is a Sparks resident.