What a shock! We need lots of money to run for political office but the people with the money want to be rewarded for their contributions! The funniest part of this system of American politics is that most people are surprised by all of this.
It’s really a bribe. We call it Pay to Play because it sounds so much nicer. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson is just one of many who have been accused of participating in this activity. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is being charged with trying to sell a senate seat. The former mayor of Los Angeles was accused of Pay to Play activities in his run for office and his campaign to keep the San Fernando Valley from separating from the city. These three people have not been found guilty of any crime.
When it’s a crime then it’s usually called a bribe. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, the former congressman from the 50th Congressional District for California was found guilty of taking $2.4 million in bribes. Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska was found guilty of failing to report gifts that most of us would call bribes. Massachusetts State Senator Diane Wilkerson and Louisiana Congressman William Jefferson are two others being charged with accepting bribes.
Campaigns are won with lots of money. The process goes something like this. “If you will donate money to my campaign I might be able to help you with a city contract.” Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger of California has been accused of supporting business interests that supported his campaign. This is no surprise to me. It has always been this way. It’s the American way!
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Pay to Play exists on several levels in this society. It was in Radio, TV, Politics, Justice, Unions, and the Media in general. If you don’t vote a certain way in a union you could be forced to pay a terrible price and it’s legal. If you don’t spin a story in the best interest of corporate friends you pay. If you don’t pay for airtime your song or point of view won’t air. This is all in a system build on “Freedom of the Press and Freedom of Speech.” The only person free to print what they desire is the man with a printing press in his basement. The only person free to say what they desire is the man with a cadre of lawyers on speed dial. The American Way is “Pay to Play.” It’s like playing Monopoly and all the board is purchased and developed before you roll. Do not pass go or pay to play?