WASHINGTON -- Only in Washington could a measure designed to gut First Amendment freedoms and entrench incumbents be declared to be "reform." Only in Washington could such "reform" advance with so much sanctimonious support from media and self-anointed public-interest elites.
The American electoral process is a mess. Many Americans are apathetic. When they vote, they often are stuck using antiquated voting equipment of the sort that helped spark the endless presidential recount of 2000. Even when Americans' votes are counted accurately, their alleged representatives seem more responsive to special interests than the public. It's not a pretty sight. The cause is not too much money in politics, however. It is too little campaign cash.
In 2000, politicians at all levels spent about $4 billion. That's a little over $14 per person, enough for one CD or a couple of meals at McDonald's. Is that really too much to devote to choosing all elected officials, from the city council to the presidency?