13 thoughts on “L. Lessig of Change Congress on Campaign Finance Reform”
The problem is, knowing enough about the issues to vote on them is a full time job. Not even congressmen have the time or energy to even read throught the bills they are voting for thoroughly.
If everyone really had a vote in the issues, it would encourage and pressure people with the facts to inform everyone much more than now.
Right now no one really cares that much about those lunatics, because they can’t make a difference (they are voting for repubs anyway).
… and misleading the public is pathetically easy. Look at all the people who have been led to believe that universal healthcare is going to kill your grandparents and unborn children, and that Obama was not born in the US.
How do you define free media?
If corps are “persons” then they should not be able to contribute more than any other person. Can’t have it both ways.
No one but a voter should be able contribute money to a candidate. But the rich would always win out anyway.
Why not keep money out altogether?
The gov could just promote several debates on television before the vote. The candidate would have to go out and meet people and let them see him/her first hand. Easy.
Lets suppose you’re right. How is that different from right now? Are the poor well-off there?
The thing is, you are not right assuming that. There’s no doubt in my mind that the working class and poor people would become more interested in voting if they actually could make a difference.
yay larry lessig! i’ve been a fan of change congress since i heard of it! been subscribed to his lessig youtube channel for a long time too, though he hasn’t posted any new vids lately
Direct democracy is slanted against those without – that’s why america is a representative government. Not all can afford or have enough time to continuously vote and create on both state and federal legislation. The working class and working poor spend more times at work with less technology then their wealthy counterparts – aka those with the time and money will control a direct democracy
Some republicans have been shouting that USA isn’t a democracy, but a republic. As stupid as it sounds, ironically that’s the issue with America (and rest of the world as well).
You don’t need to change Ross’s opinion (or try to replace him with someone who isn’t bought), you need to get rid of the system of congressmen and senators.
Technology could already be there, you only need the will. Direct democracy and free media are the best ways to diminish corruption.
We the American people should take a class action suit against Congress for misrepresentation fraud larceny etc
Larry has a really good handle on what’s actually going on.
Great interview, I love this guy!
Wow, I’m impressed, I really didn’t expect anything from Sotomayor – that’s awesome she’s bringing that up.
I do think it’s an important part of the issue, because that personhood is a big part of the corporate justification for funding politics. In any case, more power to Larry. I also loved that first ad – stand with Democrats now or we’ll find someone who will!
The problem is, knowing enough about the issues to vote on them is a full time job. Not even congressmen have the time or energy to even read throught the bills they are voting for thoroughly.
If everyone really had a vote in the issues, it would encourage and pressure people with the facts to inform everyone much more than now.
Right now no one really cares that much about those lunatics, because they can’t make a difference (they are voting for repubs anyway).
… and misleading the public is pathetically easy. Look at all the people who have been led to believe that universal healthcare is going to kill your grandparents and unborn children, and that Obama was not born in the US.
How do you define free media?
If corps are “persons” then they should not be able to contribute more than any other person. Can’t have it both ways.
No one but a voter should be able contribute money to a candidate. But the rich would always win out anyway.
Why not keep money out altogether?
The gov could just promote several debates on television before the vote. The candidate would have to go out and meet people and let them see him/her first hand. Easy.
Lets suppose you’re right. How is that different from right now? Are the poor well-off there?
The thing is, you are not right assuming that. There’s no doubt in my mind that the working class and poor people would become more interested in voting if they actually could make a difference.
yay larry lessig! i’ve been a fan of change congress since i heard of it! been subscribed to his lessig youtube channel for a long time too, though he hasn’t posted any new vids lately
Direct democracy is slanted against those without – that’s why america is a representative government. Not all can afford or have enough time to continuously vote and create on both state and federal legislation. The working class and working poor spend more times at work with less technology then their wealthy counterparts – aka those with the time and money will control a direct democracy
Some republicans have been shouting that USA isn’t a democracy, but a republic. As stupid as it sounds, ironically that’s the issue with America (and rest of the world as well).
You don’t need to change Ross’s opinion (or try to replace him with someone who isn’t bought), you need to get rid of the system of congressmen and senators.
Technology could already be there, you only need the will. Direct democracy and free media are the best ways to diminish corruption.
We the American people should take a class action suit against Congress for misrepresentation fraud larceny etc
Larry has a really good handle on what’s actually going on.
Great interview, I love this guy!
Wow, I’m impressed, I really didn’t expect anything from Sotomayor – that’s awesome she’s bringing that up.
I do think it’s an important part of the issue, because that personhood is a big part of the corporate justification for funding politics. In any case, more power to Larry. I also loved that first ad – stand with Democrats now or we’ll find someone who will!