#fixdemocracy

There is a fallacy out there that corruption reform is somehow just a “liberal issue” or that it is something that only liberals care about.

But that’s just flat wrong.  

In fact, polls have consistently shown that concern about the corrupting influence of money in our government has become increasingly broad-based among Americans as a whole.  The issue has grown acute in American’s minds, regardless of party affiliation.

At MAYDAY.US, as an explicitly non-partisan organization, we seek to mobilize ALL Americans on this issue. Our supporters from across the political spectrum have spoken out about why they believe corruption is a vital problem in our country.  Here is a selection of quotes from folks who have specifically identified themselves either as conservatives or as independents.  

These messages show that there are indeed compelling reasons for people of all party affiliations to be concerned about corruption in American government.

Cameron Avery - Republican, Illinois’ 10th Congressional District

The system of legal corruption right here in the U.S. has anti-competitive, anti-democratic effects on our markets and elections.

Illinoisans are angry that huge campaign contributions corrupt the process before voters even get to the ballot box. In an era of crony capitalism from well-connected individuals, union leaders, and corporations demanding favors at the taxpayer’s expense, it’s no wonder that Americans like us who believe in a lean federal government with responsive elected officials are wholeheartedly supporting changes our funding system that favor a more common-sense approach.

Aaron Mefford - Independent, Orem Utah

When money and corruption rule in Washington, only the corrupt and those with money can run. The concept of government by the people, for the people has been lost, and with it our freedoms are being lost as well.

Michael Dowden - Independent, Brownsburg Indiana

The massive amounts of money raised by political campaigns, even at the state and local level, make it extremely challenging for independent, third party, or grassroots campaigns to be effective. The fund raising effort required to launch a meaningful campaign serves as a barrier to entry, disenfranchising many who would like to run for office and could serve our country well.

Gary Albrent - Conservative, Arnold Maryland

Although politicians from both parties declare their support for the American middle class, …  their voting records betray their true agendas and expose their hypocrisy

Jamie Raven - Independent, Shawnee Kansas

I believe in personal responsibility and take my privacy and civil liberties very seriously. I believe that the only way to stop the erosion of my civil liberties is to remove the corporate influence in my government. And the only way to do that is to remove big money from the electoral process.

Daniel Klein - Independent, Rocky Point North Carolina

By its very nature, money from special interests, be it in elections or through lobbyists, serves the needs of a few looking for immediate reward. This is the opposite of what we need from our leaders.... we need them to take the long view for the greater good of our nation, our democracy and our citizens.

Daniel Bartholomew – Independent (former Republican), Raleigh North Carolina

Representatives in Congress should represent all people in their districts, not just the companies and privileged few who funded their election campaigns.

Stephen Mirabello - Independent

Corrupt leaders focused on special interests feed the apathy that drives citizens away from the voting booth because they feel they are powerless. Remove the influence of the special interests and the people will return to the polls and take back the country.

Scott Silvey – Independent (former Republican), Columbus Ohio

Unless we fix this problem of corruption, Congress will never find the political will to seriously address any of the other more specific problems that threaten the long term sustainability of America.   

A nation that does not deal with its problems cannot stand.  And a government that does not govern is simply a gaggle of dead-weight kleptocrats living off the fat of other people’s hard work.

This is an American problem, not a problem of Republicans or Democrats.  This is an issue that spans party lines.  We all own it.  Every citizen.

Are you a Republican?  A Democrat?  Unaffiliated or outside the two party system?  Whatever party you call home, let us know what you think about the problem of corruption in America.  We’d like to continue making the case that this issue is a broad-based problem that belongs to all Americans.  What specific reasons do you feel make corruption in our Legislature particularly relevant or motivational for people in your party?  What specific solutions do you think would resonate best for people of your affiliation?

Thank you for your support!

From the halls of Congress to state Capitols to the White House, politicians have a problem. They are taking money from harmful industries like fossil fuels and prioritizing corporate special interests over the concerns of We The People. This has to stop and 2016 is the year the people demand politicians pledge to support a people-powered democracy, not a system for the one percent and corporations.