Editor, The News:
The new Supreme Court decision on campaign finance is a danger to our democracy.
How many times have I heard Republicans mention how they believe in the doctrine of “original intent,” or that there should be no legislating by the Supreme Court?
The latest ruling by the court gives business groups and unions the right to spend as much money as they want directly on candidates for public office. Nowhere in the Constitution is this power mentioned.
It is true that labor unions will have the same rights, but the power of unions is declining in this country. A good example of what will happen is the campaign by the Chamber of Commerce against health care reform. The television ad talks about secret taxes contained in the bill.
They are trying to scare the American people. What are these secret taxes? I wonder if the public can imagine the political courage it will take to support any liberal reform?
In the midterm elections, we will see every propaganda technique imaginable used by big business and health care companies against any candidate who has dared to support progressive ideas.
I liked the recently televised discussion of President Obama and House Republicans. This gave the public a chance to hear both sides present their ideas on an even playing field, as contrasted with the one-sided campaign ads we see on television.
Another approach would be to invite responsible people from both sides to debate the issues of the day, such as health care reform. The major networks would be required to carry the debates in prime time once a month.
This would be a good way for the world’s oldest democracy to deal with the great issues of our day.
David Brenneman
New Wilmington
