2 of 7

Yes

Write now Article Tools

Yes, they should. Simple. Funding by major corporations, unions and (rich) private individuals has always gone on. Loopholes have existed for decades that allow these entities to donate, basically, as much as they want. It just happens behind the scenes, away from the public gaze.

So I would suggest that any and all donations should be made directly from the contributor to the recipient. In fact I would go further and say that there should be a legal requirement to this effect.

Then any private interest group that think they have bought the ear of a politician can be held up to public scrutiny. There would be transparency, the donations and the originator would be a matter of public record. As a side effect it would remove the press' ability to insinuate that a particular individual has been 'bought by big business'.

Consequently if at some point the recipient makes a motion or chairs a committee that favors any particular group, business or private interest there would be a paper trail of evidence.

Which is probably why it will never happen.

Although politicians love the limelight, the forces behind them prefer their shaded existences. Campaign contributions would be reduced and therefore all those expensive looking and almost slanderous ad campaigns would be a thing of the past.

That would take all the fun out of the whole process.

Learn more about this author, Scott Cameron.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Should corporations, unions and trade associations be permitted to write checks directly to politicians and parties??
We want to hear your view. Write now!