Letters: Getting money out of politics

Re “Money on the unofficial agenda for groups, donors,” Aug. 30

Anatole France said, “The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich as well as the poor to sleep under bridges.” Current law, in its brilliant impartiality, permits both casino magnate Sheldon Adelson and me to give millions of dollars to elect the candidate of our choice. I would gladly give up that “freedom” for a system that provided both meaningful campaigns and a truly democratic funding process.

We could require that TV stations use the public airwaves to air segments with journalists questioning candidates thoroughly on the issues. We could support legislation like the Fair Elections Now Act, which offers federal candidates a way to rely on many small donors rather than a few special interests. It would free candidates from endless grubbing for campaign funds and do away with their obligation to big contributors.

We could have our elections and our democracy too.

Grace Bertalot

Anaheim

I was appalled to see how many hundreds of millions of dollars, literally, are being spent by political parties in preparation for this election. Just as corporations spend huge amounts of money on advertising to influence us to purchase their products, so do political parties and other groups budget unbelievable amounts to influence our votes.

Just as we must be thoughtful and practical consumers of products, so must we give thought to, examine and evaluate the political advertising aimed at influencing our precious votes.

Albert A. Glick

West Covina

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