Some people are very exercised over the recent Supreme Court decision to sustain its 2010 decision, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which allowed corporations and unions, as entities, to contribute unlimited amounts to political campaigns. Both corporations and unions have taken advantage of the law.
Also taking advantage of the law are high rollers like Sheldon Adelson, who contributed some $15 million to Newt Gingrich’s failed run for the Republican presidential nomination. Speaking of which — where is the evidence that big money determines electoral outcomes? Not with Sheldon Adelson. Not with Newt Gingrich.
If you ask us whether we would like to be spared the ridiculously and obnoxiously negative — and expensive — television ads during the electoral season, under which the political opponent is portrayed as just short of the Devil himself, yes, we would certainly prefer to be spared. We would certainly like to see the money behind these messages go elsewhere, in or out of politics. But as for money determining and “corrupting” the outcome? Not if Adelson’s millions supply the proof.
Copyright © 2012 by the Intermountain Jewish News
