Many of you have heard of the Abramoff scandal – Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon, lobbyists and HUGE supporters ($45 million of which is under investigation) of the Bush-Cheney 04 campaign, received funds from American Indian groups aimed at promoting their interests in Congress. The reason is came to light is that not only did they circumvent campaign finance rules (which are a frickin’ joke,) but they even defrauded their supposed client – the Indians.

Do I feel bad for these Indian tribes? Uh, hell no! They were attempting to use their millions in casino money (what I consider to be ill-gotten gains) to influence Congress. Am I the only one that sees a problem with this? Lobbying should be outlawed – political action groups should be outlawed – ALL contributions over $1,000 (individual, group, company, OR political group) should be illegal and punishable by a 5,000 year sentence. It is our political/monetary system that has given control of our government to an elite few.

Do campaigns need billions of dollars to get elected? Sure, under this current system. But, do WE need our political candidates to spend these billions? Uh, hell no! Most of that money goes to backhanded, side deals and the millions spend on advertisements is useless to the average citizen. Put up a website that lists a statement in the candidates own words – lists their platform and lists their goals and intentions in office. We are smart enough to look at that and decide for ourselves.

Should these Indian tribes get their money back – hell no! Should Abramoff and Scanlon be put in prison – hell yes! Should candidates be liable for fund raising that benefits their campaigns – hell yes!