Democracy
Government by Bagmen
Our experiment in self-governance has spawned a highest-bidder-take-all bazaar. This hiring of former members of Congress as bagmen isn’t an exclusively Republican phenomenon. It’s the name of the game.
Police Violence Against Blacks Has An Economic Context
Police violence against unarmed African Americans occurs against a too-often-ignored backdrop of economic disparity that both fuels and informs the resentments and racial tensions behind the events.
Four Ways Hillary Clinton Would Champion the Right to Vote
The top Democratic presidential candidate last week sharpened the contrast between herself and Republican presidential candidates on how to address the right to vote.
Democracy Demoralized
Once in office, politicians are far more likely to meet with donors than with voters. And they’re far more likely to pass legislation coveted by the rich than crucial to the rest. The result is the government helping the rich get richer.
Anticipatory Bribery
In every election cycle since 2008, more money has gone into lobbying at the federal level than into political campaigns. And an increasing portion of that lobbying money has gone into the pockets of former members of Congress.
Voting Rights Has a Setback In Maryland, But Here's How We Can Still Win
A bill that would have re-enfranchised 40,000 previously incarcerated Marylanders currently on probation or parole was just vetoed in Maryl;and. That underscores why we need a Voting Rights Amendment.
Message from Iowa To Presidential Candidates: Which Side Are You On?
The Iowa Working Families Summit was not about a candidate or even a platform. We were all realizing that more than ever, we have a common narrative based on democracy and economic justice.
A Quiet Corporate Coup on Capitol Hill
Corporate lobbyist understand that congressional staffers have gained far-reaching control over legislation. Lately it's dawned on lobbyists that instead of wooing staff with flattery and gifts, they should simply become the staff.
SEC Still Allowing Corporations To Hide Campaign Funding
Why does the SEC continue to refuse to require corporations to disclose to shareholders how much of their money they are throwing into elections?
Who Wins the Money Primary?
The money primary of the 2016 presidential race is already on, even though most candidates haven't announced yet. Bush and Clinton are projected to do well, but the big winner of the money primary will be the money.
