money in politics

Oregon was a proud, early leader in direct democracy. By 1904 it had elected a Populist governor and adopted the "Oregon System" of Initiative and Referendum. (See the above map, where blue shows states where citizens have full I&R and the right to amend their Constitutions). But it's all under attack.

They took all our rights and put ‘em in a museum
And they charged the people a dollar and a half to see them
Don't it always seem to go
That you don't know what you got till it's gone

(With props to Joni Mitchell and Counting Crows)

Lost in the media attention to the “fundraising race" and record amounts raised by the Democratic candidates for president, is the sheer sleaziness of the big money both campaigns court. In a twist on those “The late dictator of Nigeria, General Sanni Abacha, has died and now his widow wants your help in getting his $80 million out of the country.” e-mails from Nigeria asking you to place money in a bank account, Nigeria has accused Hillary Clinton “Hillraiser” and Texas oilman, Kase Lawal, of forging

Move over, Ralph Nader. Here's a scenario which may put Ron Paul in the presidential race.

March 4 may be a decisive ballot day in Texas and Ohio for Clinton and Obama, but it will also decide the political futures of Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich. They both face serious primary challengers for their House seats.