ches. Where do politicians get their money? Special interests. They use PACs, or Political-Action Committees, to channel money to the politicians (Etzioni, 5). There are over 4,016 PACs, each with huge amounts of money. They can distribute up to $10,000 to politicians that they think can be brought to their cause (Gross, 14). What's more, individuals can "donate" as much as they want to nonfederal party accounts. Also, if a candidate doesn't have the money to buy something, and a rich friend just happens to, then the rich friend can pay as much as he/she wants for whatever the candidate wants (Gross, 45).Losers. In 1993, Governor Guy Hunt of Alabama raised a lot of money for his campaign. So much, in fact, that he had a surplus of $200,000. Gov. Hunt decided that he had earned that money, and quickly slid it into his own bank accounts. He was arrested, and actually found guilty. He left office. He was only the fourth governor ever to be convicted of a felony (Gross, 62). However, the cases concerning political crime are increasing. In 1974, 523 cases were held. At the last part of 1993, over 3,000 cases were held (Gross, 69). In the late 80's, Senator Mark Hatfield received "gifts" and did not disclose the nature or the gifts themselves to the Senate. The Senate decided that this was a bad thing and decided to look into it. Turns out that the Senator had received over $25,000 worth in merchandise and loan reimbursement. And his punishment? He was chastised by the Senate; scolded quite thoroughly by his peers. In no way did he actually face penalties of any kind, or have to pay for his actions (Gross, 166-167). So. The facts have been laid before you, and it is up to you to decide what to do with them. Our current system is flawless. Our current system is steeped in history, full of righteousness and glorious freedom. And I am sure the politicians of today want it to stay just the way it is. ...
