Money in Politics

In PAW’s interview of James Baker III by Mark F. Bernstein ’83, the most telling revelation to me is when, after agreeing that our politics have “never been as dysfunctional,” Baker declares, “As to what the solution is, I’m not so sure.” Baker then talks about a nebulous exposition of his own prejudices. 

The biggest single step to overcome our “dysfunctional” politics is to eliminate money in politics, and the single most effective way to do that is via a constitutional amendment to that effect.

In fact, there is a constitutional amendment for this purpose currently going through the House, popularly called, “We the People Amendment.” It’s H.J.Res.48, and I encourage all readers here to call their House representatives to push for it.

This is not rocket science. Anyone with clear understanding of how government works — Conservative or Liberal — acknowledges the importance of such a fundamental fix to our flawed Constitution. Money in politics is our most serious problem and the vast majority of Congress, like Baker, seem oblivious to that fact. Curiously, why didn’t Bernstein himself bring up such an important issue?