Is it disturbing that only the wealthy can afford to run for national office? Is this a true democracy where?

Question

money rules?

I know all that. If it were otherwise, the electoral college would not exist and Al Gore would be president. But how can you have a free society if only a small percentage can hold office? Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose, or nothing left to gain if you don't have the dinero.

Travis W: Dude. Size does matter. the size of your bank roll.

Answer 1

Yes it is disturbing. I was so hoping you would run for office this November. After reading your questions on politics and government, I know that there is no one better for the job. But alas.....we teachers know that the job we do must come from the heart and fullfills something in us other than our pocketbooks. So if you are like me, you will not be in a position to go up against the wealthy candidates who have been gearing up for the campaign with daddy's money. *cough* I mean campaign funds.

When we ask where all of the good candidates are, we need to realize that this point you have initiated is a strong reason why the best people for the job do not run.

Not to mention that the smartest people wouldn't run and put themselves through the total crap that the media bestows upon them........but that's another point for another question at another time.

Have a good day. :) (skips off after dropping her only nickel in Gyorzxk's piggy bank)

Answer 2

Thats the biggest problem with your system of democracy, only the very wealthy can gain the support needed to run. In most democratic countries, that isn't as much a problem, if at all, I think the question you should be asking is how you can stop it.
I think having more parties would help, more choice. I think people should start at the bottom of the system, and only be able to work their way up on merit. If there is evidence they are using their wealth to higher themselves that is corruption and should be very harshly punished. Policing the matter would be hard, but it needs to be done.

Answer 3

Who said we lived in a democracy?
Oh wait, our forefathers and all that.
Ok, let me give you some advice: things are not as they seem.

We do not live in a democracy. 1000 years from now NO ONE will say "USA was a Great Democracy Of the People" - we hold on to this because it keeps people happy.

We do not live in a Democracy.
We used to, probably. Media, Technology, Government have all come up with a way to make everyone apathetic of their own country. It lets them play however they want. They tell us whatever we need to hear. The games and rules are much different on the other side of the scope.

just fyi'ing you.

Answer 4

I really do wish people would stop saying that we have a democracy. We don't. Our system of government is the Republic. At least i think that's true, but the tv doesn't want me to think that because as King George is always saying on it "We need to spread peace and democracy thru out the middle east." Which in twisted american political terms means that they have something that our empire needs. oops there i go again, sorry cnn and nbc and all the other news channels, i meant democracy. right?

Answer 5

No. Regular people should run as their civic duty. Career politicians and lobbyist should not be allowed. Trust should be re-established. Extortionists like Jessi Jackson should be banished to a middle eastern country. Al Sharpton should be given 40 acres and a mule and to have to do an honest days work to remain. Pat Roberson should just 'shut-up'. I think an independant party is our only salvation. Just a thought.

Answer 6

well we are a republic first off, and yes it is a sad and sick thing that only the rich can run for office on a national, often times even statewide level.

The 2 party system has destroyed civility and people working for the good of the country rather than themsevles and their party.

Answer 7

Dude, anyone (who meets the age and residency requirements) can run for office in America.

True, money and connections help when it comes to running a campaign. However, the size of your bank account is not a requirement.

Answer 8

what else is new!!! It always will be that way until something change in our world!!! And, money will alway rule!!! Just think we vote the rich bast*** in office because what choices do we have? Would, be nice if people who aren't wealthy ban together and change the whole system!! The wealthy people can't understand how it is to be poor!!! Maybe one day we all will wise up!!!!

Answer 9

Technically the US is not a true democracy. It's a representational democracy where we choose a few people to vote for our wishes, rather than each of us voting ourselves on every issue.

It is sad only the weathy get into power, but what is the alternative?

Answer 10

I think its more disturbing that only rich people can afford health care. I'd like to see a congressman or other give up his years salary so poor people can go to the doctor, they get so many perks they don't need the paycheck.