Would we actually expect anything other than this? I know I’ve posted a few comments regarding stories I’ve seen on Tavis Smiley’s show. I sincerely like the man and appreciate the guests he brings on the show and the many topics that are discussed. Last night’s guest was the former Chairwoman of the FEC, Ms. Ann Ravel, appointed under Obama. She is no longer at the agency, but she did write an interesting report on the agency. And it’s worse than we thought. I posted the link to the show and it is well worth the time to listen. I’m sure I’m still not addressing the major points of this story. (You know me, I blame it on a TBI) The program runs 30 minutes, so the video should be less time than that, maybe 20-25 minutes.
The FEC is supposed to be the oversight on campaign finance violations. While we’re trying to get big money and dark money out of politics, the FEC is doing nothing to assist in this significant aspect of our elections.
For beginners, out of all government agencies, the FEC had the lowest score in morale. The biggest reason, as Ms. Ravel pointed out, is that the committee, made up of six individuals, is just not doing its job. Are any of them? Well, we know that’s fine and dandy for the big guys, but the little peeps aren’t so happy that they are not being allowed to do their jobs and that there are big coverups. I can see how this would lead to low morale.
At first, the committee was made up of six bi-partisan individuals. Later, three were appointed by Congress. I don’t believe she said if it was Republicans or Democrats. These three vote in a block every time, though. Only four votes are needed to go forward on a charge or drop it. So, this started happening even before Trump. What Ms. Ravel stated, basically, is that these people who were placed into these positions, know nothing about what they’re overseeing, and actually, more importantly, are there to blow up the very department they are in charge of.
Ms. Ravel points out the antipathy involved. Almost no one is charged with violations, unless you count only the little guy. Most cases aren’t even considered. The bigger violations are the ones just walking away. She mentioned a guy in Washington saying it was like the Wild West with money. So much money trading hands that nobody even cares any more, at least in DC.
Please check out the interview in the video for all the information that I’ve left out. It is an eye-opener for sure.
www.pbs.org/...