RE: Disclosure and privacy

[David Wilkinson <dwilkinson@nisdc.org>]

Jean said, "The money and politics problem is that money buys influence."

Generally I agree.  I'm not sure money "buys influence" as much as it opens doors to try to influence.  I'm not naive and understand that in some corners that it does get influence.

Let's say a member of Congress opposes gun control.  in all liklihood, he is apt to receive funding through the NRA.  But let's say the NRA does not give her funds, does that mean she will no longer support gun control.  I don't think so. It is hard to determine where one's own principles and beliefs start and end in relationship to the campaign issue and funding. 

The dynamics of influence is much larger than just money.  The ability to generate votes also gains opportunities for influence. An organization such as the NRA might provide no funds, but would assist (directly or indirectly) in getting out the message and getting citizens to vote.  That is the essence of democracy.  The ability of an individual or organization to help get voters to vote for a candidate certainly should open doors to try to influence.  Should that work be regulated?

Don't want we want to elect candidates that genberally stand for issues the way we want then to stand and isn't it our purpose to try to elect those who believe like we do?  

I don't how to finish this, so I will just stop.