RE: Choice 1 Deliberation

[Joan Johnson <joan@altair.com>]

Choice 1 appeals to me for these reasons.

  1) Limiting contributions to individuals and limiting the amount they can contribute reduces the potential for abuse of political contributions. I see $250 as a good limit.

  2) Public funding of elections split between federal and state elections. In other words, the states and the federal government will create funds candidates can use when they run for office. Criteria to determine the viablity of the candidate are required. 

If fringe candidates who have strange beliefs may get funded; however if they get excluded, have we not compromised their right to run?
  
Why haven't Americans supported public funds for elections? Perhaps the quality of some of the candidates or the constant partisan bickering have lead to this. If public funding works in the states where it is available, these examples may be what it takes to encourage other states/people to give it a chance.

In addition to what Choice 1 supports, I would like to see campaign time-limits established. Limits exist today in that potential candidates must apply be a certain date. There is no reason for campaigns to start shortly after the last one ends. This may be to gather funds. Public funding could alleviate this.

I do not feel television ad time on commercial stations should be free. After all, we live in a capitalist society where demand determines price. As for debates, these ought to be free to the candidates as a public service by the stations. No reason why it couldn't be deducted on the networks' income tax as a contribution (much like what I receive for donating to PBS or NPR stations).

The risk of having people with views opposite mine run on my tax contribution - well, I guess I'd look at it as the cost of doing election business. Besides, they may bring to the political arena a fresh view. It is a risk, but it's worth taking.

The larger, more insideous risk, is that of losing sight of the individuals in this country under the weight of collectives of people.