Proposition 89 - Clean Money and Fair Elections

[Mike Kirchubel]

A few days ago, something wonderful happened ...
A few days ago the Clean Money Elections bill, AB 583, died a quiet, lonely death in a California State Senate committee. This bill would have given candidates for public office a choice in financing their campaigns: Do what they do now, which is solicit and accept large donations from wealthy individuals and corporations or they could collect only small, individual donations and receive public financing. More importantly, this bill would have given us voters a choice: We would have been able to vote for candidates who spend their time begging for campaign money from people who demand expensive favors in return, or for candidates who do not.
The wonderful thing that happened a few days ago was not the demise of the Clean Money Bill. No, that was awful. But the California Nurses Association, anticipating the moral failure of our elected representatives, sponsored a Clean Money initiative which 620,000 concerned California voters signed and, a few days ago, Proposition 89, the "Clean Money and Fair Elections Act" qualified for our November ballot. Ordinary Californians like you and I will be able to vote on this issue and, if it passes, no corporate shill will be able to veto it.
The Clean Money and Fair Elections Act is no less than a Declaration of Independence from our monarchy of money and the current version of taxation without representation.
As good as it sounds, the "Clean Money and Fair Elections Act" has a huge battle ahead of it. In last November's special election, the pharmaceutical industry spent $76 million to defeat a proposition that would have given Californians cheaper prescription drugs. With so much money spent on propaganda, it's no wonder that we voted to shoot ourselves in the foot. But Proposition 89, the Clean Money and Fair Elections Act, will cut the influence of ALL corporations and wealthy individuals, not just one industry. You can imagine the amount of money that will be pumped in, from all around the country, to defeat this proposition. This fall, as you hear the worst possible lies and distortions, constantly, and from every medium, realize that if corporations invest tens of millions of dollars to kill Clean Money, they must be reaping billions in favors - at our expense - with pay to play.
The Clean Money and Fair Elections Act is a dividing-line issue between the extremely rich, who want politicians dependent upon their big-money donations and the rest of us who want our representatives to be free from their control.
Corporations may have the money, but we have you. Google, "clean money" and educate yourself on this issue. Talk it up at work and with your friends and relatives. Write letters to the editor, get a bumpersticker, and a yard sign. Take window signs to local businesses. Make sure everyone knows how important this proposition is to every Californian. Don't let big money steal another election.
Always remember, "Clean Money" is simply about having a choice on election day. As Americans, we deserve nothing less.
Mike Kirchubel, Fairfield

[Roscoe_Beedle]

What about those PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNIONS? They're killing these small cities with lavish salaries and retirement packages. What about their influence? Why dosen't this proposition cover these unions that use excessive influence in this State?
This proposition is quite transparent. It's an effort by Public Service Unions to stave off any negative campaign by other points of view. Check out the sponsors-all unions.

[Mike Kirchubel]

You're right. Prop 89 was launched by that evil union, the California Nurses Association - obviously seeking world domination. While nothing made by man is perfect, Prop 89 is a good start in cutting the amount of money buying OUR elected representatives. Unions actually spend less than ten percent of the amount of money that corporations do on politics - and that's usually in response to some shenanigans that the coroprations are trying to pull-off ( like last November's Prop 75.) I'm sure that most union leaders are human and would rather use their money to give themselves a big pay raise rather than spend it fighting the corporate agenda.

I agree with you that Prop 89 may not be absolutely perfect, but it's certainly the best thing we've got going right now. Keep your focus on the big picture. We need to get money out of our political system - now. Legislation should be based on what's right and wrong, not by how much money some fat cat gives a politician to support a position. The little guy - you and me and everyone we know - is always going to lose the money battle.
We are going to have a huge fight ahead of us as BIG MONEY pours-in from all over the country to crush Prop 89. They will capitalize on these little differences we have to try to split us apart. We've got to all work together to get this done. Without it, we are stuck with what we have now - In essence, TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION - and that's worth fighting about. Please, Google "clean money" to learn more. Mike

[Roscoe_Beedle]

I did notice your strong anti-corporate bias. That's business my friend.

I have a suggestion for you. Maybe it would do you some good. My young son attends University of Arizona. I visit him often. Arizona is actively seeking new businesses and GETTING THEM to move there from California. They love the new revenue and jobs.
The students I have met all have wonderful life goals. Most of them want good jobs. These are neat kids with wonderful contributions to give when you and I are done and gone.
This strong anti-business bias will doom this state for future generations who may choose to live here. We will continue to lose jobs right under your nose.

The answer is not pro-business or anti-union or even vice-versa. But a mistake is made when corporations are deemed to be evil and in need of endless regulation and taxation. You may think this proposition is the answer but it will do nothing more then set the stage for more anti-business air-heads driving these good jobs to Arizona, Nevada and parts East. A strong Union is NOTHING without a business behind it to hire the jobs.

[Mike Caggiano]

A recent writer stated that His son is presently attending School in Arizona. That's a State that has recently opted for a non-corporate, Public financing on its elections. Also the California Teachers Association is opposing prop 89 Which, I think is a mistake on their part. As the Author noted Unions only ante up a fragment of the corporate payoffs (sorry did I mean electoral funding?). I completely agree that Unions might well be included as well as Indian Tribes in not being able to 'fund' candidates. I feel any non-human entity has no place in the electoral system that is by and for 'Humans'. I don't think anyone is anti Corporation as it performs a vital role in the organization of our economy but, I would recommend seeing or renting 'The Corporation" the movie which does a nice job of putting things in perspective.

Mike Caggiano

[Mike Kirchubel]

Thank you Mike for noting that Arizona was indeed a Clean Money State. Apparently all those California businesses are flocking there because of that. We need to save California jobs...Vote for Clean Money and Fair Elections!

[Roscoe_Beedle]

Save Jobs? With the anti-corporate mentality and words exhibited here, the highest State Income Taxesand not to leave out the burdensome regulatory legislation constantly being applied - how are you going to save much less develop new business?
I'm sorry, this measure sounds fine only if you also curtail the power of these unions. And that simply is not going to happen.

You have a man running for Governor (Angeliedes) who not only will support this measure but will also support increased taxes and more union influence.

And corporations are people. They make major contributions to our livelihood and wealth. Why run them down? Is it money you resent? Jobs? I on the other hand am eternally grateful for Steve Jobs, HP, and many other such corporate entities that create jobs and produce wonderful products we all use to improve our lives.

[Mike Kirchubel]

Why do you keep harping on "anti-corporate?" Name-calling is a poor way to argue a point. I have never said I hate corporations. I work for a very large corporation and they treat and pay me well. What I do hate is the idea that someone with more money than me has a greater influence on what laws get enacted. Shouldn't the merits of the bill be the only consideration?

You complain about high taxes - but has it ever occured to you that when corporations pay tens of millions to get laws and regulations passed or removed, they are reaping far more than that at our expense. They invest their money - like the rest of us - with the expectation of a profitable return.

I agree that the unions should be included in this Proposition, but I didn't write it. It is the best thing to come along and it's our best shot at getting the money out of politics. I am enjoying your responses. I know that your concerns will be repeated over and over again in the Fall. Mike

[Roscoe_Beedle]

Well, it's you that constantly make a point of slamming the corporation, e.g. your latest description of corporations taking advantage of tax laws etc, etc.
But I am sincere in my beliefs and I do worry that this, my home State, is going down a bad path with respect to taxation and anti-business.
I tend to think your proposition will pass as you describe it. If this gives a lift to these public service unions which will result in tax increases then we will be in trouble. I may vote for the thing in hopes we can limit the money thing. We'll be sunk if the Politicians take this new law to begin catering to the unions for their money. And that, my friend, would be the beginning of the end.

[Mike Kirchubel]

Thanks for listeniing. As far as the anti-corporation thing goes, I guess if I could get away with half the stuff they do, I wouldn't gripe about them as much. Mike

[GHafez7]

Thanks for listeniing. As far as the anti-corporation thing goes, I guess if I could get away with half the stuff they do, I wouldn't gripe about them as much. Mike


After reading today that the AFL-CIO is going to pump more money into political campaings you can bet I am going to vote AGAINST this proposition. The dumbocrats have the Unions and the Republicans have the Corporations. Don't like it? Too bad. Fair is fair.

[Diamond Dog]

The dumbocrats have the Unions and the Republicans have the Corporations.

And the GHafezes of the world have their bitterness to keep them warm at night.

[Mike Kirchubel]

Prop 89 – Fighting Political Corruption

Almost all voters, regardless of party affiliation, agree that there is entirely too much greed and corruption in Sacramento and Washington these days. Most of us are just plain disgusted. Granted, politicians need money for their signs, ads, and commercials in order to be elected or re-elected; unfortunately, today’s high-stakes Pay-to-Play is completely dominated by corporate lobbyists. We ordinary folks have been priced out of the access game. Furthermore, these lobbyists have vastly different agendas than you or I. While we spend our days working for our dollars, they spend theirs dreaming up novel ways to snatch those dollars from us. To them, politicians are simply highly paid employees facilitating the exchange. We should make politicians cover their expensive suits with sponsor patches, like NASCAR drivers, so we can all tell where their loyalties truly lie.

If you’ve ever thought, “There must be a better way;” wondered why corporations with billions in profits legally pay less in taxes than you; or swore you would “never vote for those crooks ever again;” rejoice! Proposition 89, the Clean Money and Fair Elections Act, is coming soon to a ballot near you. If we all work hard and get this passed in November, Prop 89 will allow candidates to remain “Clean” with public financing for their campaigns. Our representatives would actually represent us, not the special interest lobbyists. Imagine, taxation WITH representation. What a revolutionary concept! Yes on 89.

Mike Kirchubel
mikirch@comcast.net

[Roscoe_Beedle]

Your anti-business bias is so strong you have convinced me to vote NO on this measure. Profits are GOOD. Businesses are GOOD. Try collecting a tax with no businesses. Or finding a job.
And corporations do pay taxes in many forms. However, even if you accessed huge taxes on businesses they simply pass it on and then you and I pay higher prices.

If you are an advocate for this proposition someone better get to you and tell you to tone it down. Your rhetoric has lost me.

[EcoSanda]

Mike, Thanks for posting all that valuable information. I was shocked to see that CTA is not supporting Prop 89. As a teacher, I will talk to them about it. I don't like the proposition quite as much as the original bill as it does not offer the same level playing field for qualified third parties, but it sure give us a much better chance to get our message out in the corporate duopoly then we have now.