I've been tossing around these ideas in my head for some time, and found out today that my local precinct caucus is this weekend. Like any good 'Deaniac', I'm planning on going, and I want to have some ideas to contribute.
Below the fold are drafts of two resolutions that I'd like to pitch, but I need some help forming and shaping the resolutions. I'm targeting Campaign finance, and my frustration that so much money is spent on campaigns, largely from groups that are not consistuents. I believe this is a big reason why it's 'the party above the people'.
Another frustration is that media advertising has become so saturated with misinformation (swift boating), but how to balance this with free speech rights. Please share your thoughts, be critical, and challenge anything that I've put down.
Caucus Resolution: Campaign fundraising and advertising limitations
WHEREAS: Campaign spending has exploded in recent years, with over $880 million spent during the 2004 election season.
WHEREAS: Campaign spending has become less about communicating the platform and message of a candidate, and more about attacking the credentials of an opposing candidate.
WHEREAS: Candidates regularly receive a large portion of their contributions from organizations, special interest groups, and corporations whom are not constituents of the district in which that candidate is running for election.
WHEREAS: In light of recent corruption, bribery, and lobbying scandals, it has become known that campaign contributions are a method by which influence is obtained.
WHEREAS: An elected officials primary duty is to represent the constituents of a district, not campaign contributors.
WHEREAS: Representation has become more about representing the desires of those that fund campaigns (political parties, lobbyists, and other organizations), not constituents.
RESOLVED: Therefore be it resolved that this caucus supports "A limitation on campaign fundraising that prohibits candidates from accepting contributions from any person, business, or organization that is not a constituent of the district in which candidate is running,"
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Caucus Resolution: Campaign advertising limitations
WHEREAS: A majority of Americans learn about candidates through television and radio advertising, on public airwaves.
WHEREAS: The Federal Communications Commission has the duty to regulate broadcasting in the `public interest, convenience, or necessity'.
WHEREAS: In political advertisements, where there is no system of accountability to ensure truth in advertising, advertisements that are designed to mislead voters or spread misinformation do not serve the greater `public interest' of having and informed electorate.
RESOLVED: That this caucus supports "A limitation on television and radio advertising such that only candidates may purchase airtime for political advertisements on public airwaves"
RESOLVED: That this caucus supports "Maintaining the free speech rights of all individuals, organizations, and businesses, in all forms of media other than paid political advertisements on public airwaves."
Ok, lemme have it. I've never written a resolution before, and have only ever been to one caucus.