The illusion of free choice

Paul Mitchell said:
Excerpt from the Wall Street Journal January 2015...

"A massive campaign-spending goal announced by conservative donors is sending early shock waves through the 2016 election landscape.

A network of conservative groups backed by the billionaire Koch brothers said it is planning to spend $889 million on the 2016 elections, an unprecedented figure that is more than twice the amount that 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney spent on his campaign.

The number was announced on Monday to about 450 donors who attended a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage, Calif., as part of a weekend-long summit hosted by Freedom Partners, one of several conservative groups affiliated with Charles and David Koch, according to an attendee. The summit and luncheon are part of an annual tradition, and the attendee said donors pledged a record amount.

The number was announced on Monday to about 450 donors who attended a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage, Calif., as part of a weekend-long summit hosted by Freedom Partners, one of several conservative groups affiliated with Charles and David Koch, according to an attendee. The summit and luncheon are part of an annual tradition, and the attendee said donors pledged a record amount."

Apparently this is all legal so the Democrats can do it as well. Until campaign finance laws are reformed this will take place on a regular basis.
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So I don't have to go look, ...... Would you please find an accurate # of how much $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Soros's groups will throw in on the other side?


Thanking you in advance.. B)
 
Paul Mitchell said:
Excerpt from the Wall Street Journal January 2015...

"A massive campaign-spending goal announced by conservative donors is sending early shock waves through the 2016 election landscape.

A network of conservative groups backed by the billionaire Koch brothers said it is planning to spend $889 million on the 2016 elections, an unprecedented figure that is more than twice the amount that 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney spent on his campaign.

The number was announced on Monday to about 450 donors who attended a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage, Calif., as part of a weekend-long summit hosted by Freedom Partners, one of several conservative groups affiliated with Charles and David Koch, according to an attendee. The summit and luncheon are part of an annual tradition, and the attendee said donors pledged a record amount.

The number was announced on Monday to about 450 donors who attended a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage, Calif., as part of a weekend-long summit hosted by Freedom Partners, one of several conservative groups affiliated with Charles and David Koch, according to an attendee. The summit and luncheon are part of an annual tradition, and the attendee said donors pledged a record amount."

Apparently this is all legal so the Democrats can do it as well. Until campaign finance laws are reformed this will take place on a regular basis.
Click to expand...


And just for the sake of "clarity and transparency" that is groups backed ny kock bros, not that they are putting all that in.
 
allenk4 said:
Do you really think a persons Vote can be Bought? How exactly does that work? Do you believe in Freedom of Speech? Should microphones and bullhorns be outlawed, or just TV commercials?
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It is brainwashing. Both sides do it. There is a constant barrage of negative propaganda (a lot of half truths). The Liberals go after Koch brothers and the conservatives usually go with the socialism, high taxes, etc. They go after fears and tell you who is the blame for it.
 
Bunky said:
It is brainwashing. Both sides do it. There is a constant barrage of negative propaganda (a lot of half truths). The Liberals go after Koch brothers and the conservatives usually go with the socialism, high taxes, etc. They go after fears and tell you BUSH is the blame for it.
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Fixed it for ya Al
 
Ronkh said:
So I don't have to go look, ...... Would you please find an accurate # of how much $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Soros's groups will throw in on the other side?


Thanking you in advance.. B)
Click to expand...
\
Sorry, can't find anything. Why don't you look? Frankly, I don't think either the Koch Brothers or Soros should be allowed to spend millions and millions to support their candidate(s) which was a gift to all mega donors from the Supreme Court. Ron, why don't you tell us how you feel about the Citizens United case?
 
Paul Mitchell said:
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Sorry, can't find anything. Why don't you look? Frankly, I don't think either the Koch Brothers or Soros should be allowed to spend millions and millions to support their candidate(s) which was a gift to all mega donors from the Supreme Court. Ron, why don't you tell us how you feel about the Citizens United case?
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What monetary limit would you set on a persons ability to Amplify Their Voice?
 
GearHead_1 said:
$5 or up to and including the amount they pay in income tax. In these guys case the $5 would about do it. :cool:
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You believe that the Koch Brothers and all the companies they own and all the people they employ pay a total of $5 in Taxes?

You do realize that 100% of the taxes paid by Corporations are passed on directly to the Consumer in the form of higher retail prices

Corporate Taxes are easy to hide from the Public, just like Gas Taxes. Do you know how much tax is on a gallon of gas in your state?
 
allenk4 said:
What monetary limit would you set on a persons ability to Amplify Their Voice?
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Hi Kyle,

It's nice to have you over here. How about this for a Utopian solution:

$1,500.00 maximum donation to each party

$1.500.00 maximum donation to each candidate

$1,500.00 maximum for advertising

$1,500.00 maximum donation to each issue or measure on a local ballot

Limit the election period to a maximum of six months prior to the election.

It's not an issue with these mega donors of both parties to "Amplify Their Voice" - it's an issue of mega donors Amplifying Their Influence. Do you really believe there is no quid pro quo (something for something) by Soros or the Koch Brothers if they contribute heavily to one party or candidate? Both parties are guilty and the election process in this country is broken. I know this will never happen in America and even if it did people would still find a way to cheat but something needs to be done.

Maybe Gearhead is right...$5.00 should be the limit, or according to Lucy of the Peanuts Comics five cents!
 
I worked for the Koch brothers in a previous career. I was trained in their Market Based Management curriculum as a "Koch Associate."

They are more libertarian than conservative. Charles is quite different than his brother but they generally see eye-to-eye on economic policy... and differ some on social.

If you have a question about them or their REAL views... I may be able to answer.



And you will NEVER keep money out of politics... this is akin to legislating morality. Even if contributions were limited to whatever arbitrary amount... the cash would still find a way into the politicians/ campaigns pocket.

It seems many so-called problems of today revolve around: '....it's not fair!'

Oh yeah? Didn't your mother tell you that life isn't?

So go start a business... grow it until you have 80K employees and then spend your money on campaigns to right the injustices of the Kochs/ Soros buying elections. Now that would be fair.
 
I do not think you can limit donations. Money and influence is always involved in politics. We can expect better disclosure. We sure do not want limits on donations based upon taxes paid. The original laws only allowed landowners to vote although I know some supreme court justices may want to take us back to 1790.
 
Just my 2 cents. Everyone be required to vote. Mail or in person. Day off to vote (Holiday). Those who died for our rights would be ashamed.
How about you only have 8-weeks to campaign, prior to elections. No more radio/tv commercials for 24hrs. prior, etc.
 
MI Mike said:
Just my 2 cents. Everyone be required to vote. Mail or in person. Day off to vote (Holiday). Those who died for our rights would be ashamed.
How about you only have 8-weeks to campaign, prior to elections. No more radio/tv commercials for 24hrs. prior, etc.
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Sorta agree, but, some people don't vote to voice their opposition. Even though in my opinion, that's a waste. Also in my opinion, you need to prove eligibility to vote (id).

As far as the 8 weeks, the media would and does campaign for their favorite, (or smear their less favorite.)
 
MI Mike said:
Just my 2 cents. Everyone be required to vote. Mail or in person. Day off to vote (Holiday). Those who died for our rights would be ashamed.
How about you only have 8-weeks to campaign, prior to elections. No more radio/tv commercials for 24hrs. prior, etc.
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Im ashamed but then again Rome only lasted 800 years I think we will beat that.
 
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