Dear Future President,

Politics isnt cheap: as of September 12th the political parties raised $1,080,074,724 for
this years election, and they needed every dollar. Providing voters with information about
candidates is essential, advertisements that make them glow with perfection is staple,
slandering the opposition is a standard. Every commercial, every press conference costs
money. The more money that a candidate has access to, the more effective their campaign
efforts become. Because of this logic, running for president changes from a battle of politics, to
one of economics. Without the support of massive sources of wealth, its impossible to win an
election. The two parties have created a system where money, not ability to serve the american
people, decides who will be the next american president.
If money is needed to be heard in politics, one can make two deductions: those who
have more can speak louder, and not spending means not speaking. This leaves millions of
voices unheard, a clear undermining of the first amendment. Think back to when you were
running for president, of how much you spent traveling from state to state, how much you spent
publishing advertisements. Do you think you really think you could have won the election
without that? If so stop reading now. If you recognise that without millions of dollars you would
not be sitting where you are today, then you must work to change the system.
One major part of the problem is lobbying, companies using the promise of donations to
influence politicians decisions. This wasnt always an accepted practice, but in the Buckley v.
Valeo case the supreme court ruled that private companies can use their funds to support
candidates under the protection of the first amendment. Ever since that case major
organizations and companies have played a major role in the electoral process. The
Republican party, for example, is famous for being heavily influenced by the NRA which has
wielded its dollars to ensure Congress doesn't pass gun-control laws. This is only one of many
examples of how lobbying can influence the governments decisions, regardless of how
opposed the general public is.
The first step to fixing the electoral process is banning or limiting corporate contributions
to campaigns. Without corporations influence on the elections, the parties will make choices
that are best for the people, not the one that makes them the most money. However, because
this policy has already been rejected by the supreme court, it would have to be made into an
amendment which is quite difficult. But should this dream become a reality, millions would find
their voice.
In sum, the massive monetary divide between the mainstream parties and individual
candidates promotes the systematic silencing of the people and allows for corruption that will
destroy what is left of this once great country. By limiting lobbying, you can restore the ideals
that this country stands for: free speech, equal opportunity, a balance of power, and a leaders
chosen by the people, for the people.