[davidsiems]

This is exactly why we need campaign reform.

If you're business X, who's product is something that is provably not in the people's best interest you can ram through its legality with enough money thrown at the policy makers who are supposed to be serving the people who elected them.

AT&T did not elect John Boehner. John Boehner should not share _any_ ties with AT&T.

[shpxnvz]

AT&T did not elect John Boehner. John Boehner should not share _any_ ties with AT&T.

This argument would apply as much to individual campaign contributions. Individuals have agendas just as corporations (and non-profits, and PAC's) do. If that were the rule then wouldn't electability just be based on the politician's personal wealth rather than the wealth of their supporters?

[gyardley]

Nothing is provable in politics. You're not going to get consensus on 'the people's best interest'. You're not even going to get consensus on 'the people'. (Apparently the stockholders of AT&T aren't invited.)

Given that, 'campaign reform' just sounds like another way to keep participants out that you don't agree with. Businesses shouldn't participate. Unions shouldn't participate. Churches shouldn't participate. Non-profits shouldn't participate. Rich people can participate - as long as they aren't allowed to participate too much, and can't have any privacy when they do it.

If people who don't pay taxes are allowed to vote themselves benefits, I don't see how anyone can argue that a business owner can't donate whatever they want to whatever cause or candidate they like. Everyone participates and things shake out how they shake out.

[davidsiems]

You're absolutely right. It is exclusionary. Participation should be exclusive to those who can vote. This means, no corporations, no organizations, no churches, etc. Individuals _only_.

Not letting Canadians vote in our elections is exclusionary too, that makes sense to me. Just because it's exclusionary doesn't mean it's a bad thing.

Of course we can't get consensus on 'best interest' but at least we can limit participation to those who's interests are on the table.

If you're CEO of X-Corp participate all you want, but do it with _your_ money and _your_ vote and that's _it_. At least there's a chance I'll be able to reason with and engage in political debate with you.