Does your opinion matter?

For me, the Citizens United decision created a government by highest bidder system in America. The “Golden Rule” those with the gold rule, isn’t a colloquialism any longer. The billionaire oligarchy, that influences every aspect of our economy and political system, is undeniably operating without restriction or constraints. We lack honest, qualified leaders of high integrity, because they have neither the resources nor interest to campaign or serve in such an environment.

Our elected officials cower before the threat of large infusions of money to their opponents, if taking positions contrary to the wishes of wealthy elites. We see the same problem with media outlets that once were paragons of investigative reporting, journalism and truth telling, relegated now to subservience to a frightening few. Mostly, they’re ruled by elderly white men, controlling vast wealth, and importantly, the majority of networks providing news information to outlets nationwide.

We now measure candidates viability by the amount of money they’ve accumulated and donor endorsement, rather than their policy stances, experience, character or leadership abilities. Loyalty and fealty, overrides acumen and problem solving skills.

When corporations have been judged to be people, dark dollars carry the day, and common people serve the wishes of the few. The very rich few.