Short diary, because it's an incredibly simple truth.
If every registered voter in America contributed $5 each to his or her preferred federal candidates, no candidate would have to accept a dime from corporate PACs, nor need $4600 contributions from wealthy donors.
http://www.actblue.com
Imagine what our politicians could do if they didn't spend half or more of their time on the phone every day asking for money from large donors.
I mean, really. Imagine how unproductive your life would be if you spent 5, 10, 20, or more hours per week on the phone drumming up dollars rather than doing your job. This is the life of a modern politician.
http://www.actblue.com
The high costs of campaigning combined with the low limits imposed by campaign finance laws, exacerbated by the race towards earlier primary dates and longer campaigns means that politicians are now fundraisers first and public servants second. They don't like it, but that's the way it is. It's not a partisan issue, nor is it an ideological issue. Even being in safe seats doesn't excuse politicians from fundraising, as they are expected to do their parts to raise money for the parties.
http://www.actblue.com
So take a sack lunch a couple days this week and spend $15 of your dining out money on your preferred federal candidates--House, Senate, and President.
And next week or next month do the same for your preferred state and local candidates. And get your friends and family to do the same.
http://www.actblue.com