Introductions

[Taylor Willingham <taylor@bwillingham.com>]

We are almost through our first two days of introductions and personal stake. Beginning Wednesday March 21, we will explore in greater depth Choice 1 of the Briefing Book, "Reform the Campaign Fund-Raising System." As you recall proponents of this choice favor campaign finance laws, tighter restrictions on contributions, and taxpayer-financed system of publicly funded election campaigns. On March 21 and 22, we will explore in depth the aspects of this choice, which are appealing as well as the drawbacks, or limitations of this choice. Take some time to review this choice in the issue book and to reflect on some of the comments you have heard from your fellow participants. 

If you have not yet had a chance to respond to the introductory questions, I invite you to do so. The questions currently under consideration by the group are:

1. Many of you have had first hand experience with the role money plays in
politics. Who can share a personal story about how you have experienced this
issue? Do you have a personal experience that illustrates the problems
associated with this issue?

2. You may not have had first hand experience, but there are good reasons why
you have chosen to participate in this forum. What concerns you about money
and politics? What aspects of this issue are most important to you?

3. What do you hear other people saying? Is this an important issue within your
circle of friends, family and co-workers? What are their concerns?

On Tuesday morning we will post a summary of the comments from today as well as some starting questions for your consideration.