Introductions

[Jim Knauer <jknauer@lhup.edu>]

I would like to pick up on themes mentioned by Rod Cameron and Susan Taylor at the beginning of the day.  It seems to me they put their fingers on both sides of a vicious cycle.  On the one hand incumbents know, and challengers quickly learn, that money is the lifeblood of electoral politics; and established interests know that as well.  As Rod and others point out, the symbiotic relationship that results corrupts everything it touches.  On the other hand, as Susan Taylor learned, are alienated citizens, suspicious of the corruption and inclined to keep their distance from the whole dirty mess.  The problem is that no laws can undo the corrupt practices if their implementation depends on the best politicians money can buy.  Only an engaged, ever-watchful citizenry can get real laws passed and keep them effective.  I'm not sure we are up to the task.