The Greed Party

Does it seem strange to anyone else that the polls are so close for this year's presidential election? One wonders who or what both major parties represent. Democrats have turned right and Republicans have wandered left. Of course, most Americans are somewhere in the middle, so the switch may be obvious.

What is really happening is that both major parties have succumbed to money. What we have is one party. I will call it the Greed Party (sorry for the confusion, Mr. Nader of the Green Party). The Greed Party picks candidates who have been bought and paid for by big business and the wealthy elite. Democrats would like to think that they represent the people, but when it comes down to winning elections, money talks.

Every four years we are spoon fed a host of candidates that sicken most Americans, including myself. With nearly 300 million citizens and perhaps 10% of that population being of potential presidential worth, we should be amazed at the intellect, spirituality, character and moral integrity of candidates to choose from. We should be selecting from men, women and minorities. Instead, we have to make sure that each "white bread" candidate is fully electable.

This election year, don't fall for the Greed Party. Vote your conscience. Vote your beliefs. Vote for the best person. It's fun to be on the winning team, until the team lets you down. Ignore the polls and bi-exclusionary debates.

I say let's work toward an election paid for by the people, with equal funding and the possibility of several candidates. If you agree, send an e-mail to your congressperson, senator or elected official. You'll find links right here on the Tide Turning site.

Mike W., October 2000

RESPONSE
You're both right and wrong. Yes, unfortunately, it does take money to elect someone, mainly to get information out to the public, you have to buy time in all the media. It would be nice if the information that is bought was real information and not just sound bites and fancy commercials that mean nothing.

You're also right in thinking that we aren't getting the best candidates - again because to run, you've got to have friends with money and appeal to groups which will give you money. Where I can't agree with you is that all the "ideas" of the Democrats are non-greedy and all the ideas of the Republicans are "greedy." Democrats feel very self righteous about giving away government money to the poor - emphasis on GOVERNMENT MONEY. They seem to think throwing government money at any problem will solve it. It won't and hasn't. It's very easy to think that you're saving the environment by making more lands public ― when it's not YOUR land, etc. on other issues.

There are rich Republicans, but many are not. Many are people who believe in self responsibility as well as social responsibility. Until each person is responsible for themselves and takes responsibility for their community, country, etc., things will never change. In reality, the rich DO support most of the government so when people are so anxious to give government money away, it is the rich people's money they are so happy to give to others - NOT THEIR OWN. Each person has a right to do what they want with the money they legitimately earned (after taxes).

Gore was raised in a very wealthy family and was sent to private schools from the beginning to the end. He has never held a job in the private sector so he really doesn't know anything but using government money.

Bush is not much better - but at least he has run a private business on his own and knows that money doesn't grow on trees. Private business (big or small) is the backbone of this country. There are many good and honest businesses both big and small so don't knock them all.

Marcia Groth, November 2000