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Catholic Community of Pleasanton
Social Justice Newsletter Dec. 26, 2013
LETTER TO THE EDITOR from Kevin Cronin
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Commenting on Professor Lessig's comments:
Paul Krugman Nobel winning Economist and New York Times columnist writes about our situation with ever increasing inequality and its implications in Monday's New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/16/opinion/krugman-why-inequality-matters.html?hp&rref=opinion
While there may be no harm in inequality on the surface, a lot depends on the way the rich use their wealth. As an example, when used for humanitarian purposes it can do much good.
But when used to usurp a disproportionate part of the civil discourse by buying donating significant amounts to candidates of their choice thereby building loyalty and virtually their vote in support of their positions; by buying huge amounts of advertising in support of candidates who support their positions; and by spending huge amounts lobbying for their positions. And don't talk about limits on giving to candidates. Yes, there are dollar limits on certain contribution channels, but with PACs and Super PACS, etc., campaign giving is virtually unlimited.
What chance does my voice have in the public forum with my $100 donations against someone else making a donation of $100,000 or more?
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