We must remove cash from political life

While wrapping themselves in the flag and preaching patriotism, the Bush administration and many members of Congress loot the Treasury and bilk present and future taxpayers. Consider the tax cuts for corporations and capital gains cuts to the tune of tens of billions of dollars passed by the U.S. House. Consider the talk about aviation safety and the many in the House who voted to retain the inept security service for our airports run by corporations rather than federalize and professionalize this vital need.

Consider the dinosaur energy bill proposed by the Bush administration, which favors global-warming fossil fuel and tries to sneak in unsafe atomic energy instead of heavily funding alternative energy. New energy sources would be more economical in the long-run, provide jobs, keep the air and water clean, and be much more terrorist proof. Imagine if one of those planes on Sept. 11 had hit one of the atomic reactors 40 miles up river from New York City and made the city and environs a wasteland indefinitely, to say nothing of the radioactive clouds that would have traveled around the globe.

Consider that our public health system has been starved for funds and that our infrastructure continues to suffer years of government neglect. In this time of crisis we pay for past neglect by being much more vulnerable to bioterrorism. How can the challenge of bioterrorism hope to be met by an understaffed, underfunded agencies? How can hospitals, which can barely meet the needs of our population in normal times, hope to cope effectively during major emergencies? The nursing shortage caused by poor pay is hurting public health already.

These are just a few examples of the administration and many in Congress talking patriotism and using the current crisis as a cover to pass legislation that sells out the country to big money. There’s only one way to stop this betrayal and that is to get money out of politics. We need public funding of elections and election reform. We won’t get that unless citizens understand what’s happening and demand change. Getting money out of politics is the No.1 issue. Until we do so, our national interests will not be served and we will keep going to war for oil and other corporate purposes.

Coupeville

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Feb. 17

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

Comment: No one saw Musk’s DOGE rampage coming or its threat

With no formal grant of authority, Musk is making cuts without fully understanding the consequences.

Douthat: Trump is chasing off lawyers he’ll need at some point

The deal to clear Adams serves Trump only as a way of identify whom he can consider loyal in the DOJ.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Sunday, Feb. 16

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

President Donald Trump listens alongside Elon Musk as he explains the administration’s cost-cutting efforts in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. Musk has for weeks posted on social media about government spending, often amplifying and seeding false information. (Eric Lee/The New York Times)
Comment: This crisis can’t be left to courts alone

The courts can uphold the law, but they can’t match the speed of the executive branch in tearing down systems.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

Stick with solutions to homelessness that have heart

A friend of mine, a poet from Leningrad who was born during… Continue reading

SAVE Act would restrict voting rights

As a mother, I am flabbergasted by the continued and increasing attacks… Continue reading

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.