RE: Introduction Questions

[Joan Johnson <joan@altair.com>]

I am participating in this forum with the hopes that what we discover here may help change the financial face of politics. I have no direct experience with the effects of money in politics, however, I have seen results that appear to be related. The most recent is the Michigan legislature's passage of a conceal carry permit (ccw) for handguns which relaxes the criteria for granting permits to people so they may carry a concealed weapon. The law contains no consequences for people who misuse the carry permit. Most of my friends find this appalling and there is a grassroots effort to have this issue as a referendum in the next election. I understand the National Rifle Association spent enormous sums in the form of contributions to Michigan legislators which would appear to be why this bill passed. In today's environment, having a law with this laxity does not seem to be in the common interest.