Really? Best for who?
In politics, this “best for who” question – Lord help us – generally breaks down into Democrats and Republicans. Those are your choices citizen, that’s it.
Oh, there are plenty of actual independents out there, whether Libertarian, Green, Constitution, Communist, or Reform. But what all of these numbskulls have in common is that they base their platforms on “ideas” and “principles.”
I know, I know, it’s hard to believe that anyone would have any principles in this day and age. And if you ever hear anything about these truly independents on TV it will be accompanied by gratuitous eye-rolling.
After all, these folks don’t pay for TV advertising, so screw them.
Money, money, money.
Everyone says they want to get it out of politics, and a couple years back a law was passed limiting direct campaign contributions.
That’s what triggered the birth of the Political Action Committee (PAC), essentially making campaign contributions unlimited, and fairly well hidden from the average voter – who let’s face it – is pretty easy to fool.
These PACs basically collect as much money as they can, from whatever special interest group they represent – and funnel it to the election of their preferred candidates. That is to say, the candidate who panders to their “special interest,” not to something weird like “ideas” or “principles.”
No, no. When they say they want to get money out of politics, what they really mean is, “out of politics and into their pockets.”
There is a PAC for just about everything, from gay pride to Wal-Mart, every special interest out there is mobilizing their dollars to elect the wisest of the wise.
But don’t worry Citizen; the Independent Voter PAC (Political Action Committee) is here to save the day. According to their website:
“Independent Voter PAC was founded to support independent-minded candidates and incumbents dedicated to protecting YOUR right to vote, and who best represent people – not parties… Independent Voter PAC supports candidates who find solutions outside of partisan talking points. Our lawmakers should speak for themselves, not special interests.”
Well, that sounds kind of good. Get the special interests out of politics, power to the people, and more of the standard baloney to make a delicious gullible sandwich. Forgive my cynicism, but I can’t help wondering, who exactly are these “Independent” candidates that will save us?
According the IPAC website:
“A ‘D’ or ‘R’ next to their names on the ballot isn’t what earned our endorsement. Rather, these individuals have proven a steadfast commitment to all Californians to protect their right to vote, irrespective of party affiliation.”
Indeed, none of the candidates listed on the IPAC website have any affiliation listed at all. Could it be that they are all actually ‘independent?’
Nope.
Of the 28 candidates they support, 22 are Democrats, and the rest are Republicans.
And they’re all supported by special interests: from cigarette and gasoline companies, to utilities, to health insurance companies, and plenty of unions and trade associations. The usual suspects.
What’s so “independent” about that?
Not much.