Posted by:
jscrick
at Sun Mar 14 09:03:35 2010 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by jscrick ]
Realistically --- push for TERM LIMITS and CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM.
Waited a good while for the opportunity to insert my campaign finance reform idea into the discussion. So here it is:
Campaign finance reform could easily be accomplished by applying a tax to any and all campaign finance contributions.
The revenue generated could be used for "campaign finance equalization". That being, monies applied to other less wealthy campaign coffers.
Or, the revenue could be used for any number of fiscal problems we face such as, Social Security/Medicare/healthcare funding/reform, education improvement, retirement of the debt, infrastructure repair/public work projects to stimulate the economy, military expenditures, etc. What ever WE decide.
Let's say the tax rate was 50%. That would be backed out of the total contribution. Example: $1,000 campaign contribution would yield $500 for the candidate and $500 to the Govment.
The program would be overseen and run by the IRS. Campaign contributions would be sent directly to the IRS. The IRS would then divide the sum as appropriate and disburse accordingly. Authorized individuals/groups/identities would qualify, register, and be under the purview of the IRS with the Tax Code.
Mandatory reporting would be in real time on the Internet. We would then know who our Politicians' masters were. We would clearly see with whom they were bought and paid for.
Penalties and enforcement would be within the jusisdiction of the IRS and the Tax Code.
Contibutions would be considered a "gift". They would not be allowed as an "expense", business or otherwise.
But wait you say, this would be a violation of the First Amendment to the Constitution...a violation of Freedom of Speech. I say no, it would not be, as it would be equally applied throughout the nation. No groups would be discriminated against. The tax would be applied to voluntary discretionary "Gifts", as it were. The rule should stand any Constitutional challenge, just like so many other laws have, this court being the exception, of course.
That's pretty much it. Applied equally, revenue generating, real time exposure on Internet, IRS managed/Tax Code enforced. Simple, straight forward, and... what's that wonderful new buzz- word they love to throw around so much?...ah, yes...not opaque, not translucent...it would be...TRANSPARENT! Yeah, that's it.
Too damned simple. Last time they had the big Campaign Finance Reform thing with John McCain I sent this plan off to John and several others, but was ignored. Now we need a new plan (already). Maybe my idea can get some traction. Let's just "keep it simple, stupid".
jsc
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"As hard as I've tried, just can't NOT do this"
John Crickmer
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RE: List of Politicians - jscrick, Sun Mar 14 09:03:35 2010