Re: Corrupt American Politics
The massive influence of lobbyists, especially those promoting corporate interests, is definitely a problem. Political campaigns are very expensive, and catering to special interests make it a lot easier for politicians to raise enough money to be elected.
Public funding of political campaigns would be very helpful. I'd much rather have the government pay for campaigns directly, since the current system of informal bribery has a much higher cost. Unfortunately, many citizens don't recognize the corrupting influence of campaign contributions and dislike the idea of taxpayer money paying for stupid campaign ads. Also, the vested interests that benefit from the current system will oppose any efforts to change it.
Individual campaign contributions can also help. If a higher fraction of campaign funding comes from individuals with no string attached, politicians become more free to do what they believe is best. Though I mainly contribute to candidates to help elect the more agreeable candidate, reducing corporate influence is a side benefit.
I'm pessimistic about the situation improving. After all, the Supreme Court blocked restricting on corporate campaign contributions in the
Citizens United case and the Tea Party types tend to be heavily pro-corporate.
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