Most political donors are not giving to candidates out of charity. Political donors hope, mostly expect, a return on their donation; making candidates who accept donations beholden to donors rather than constituents. One example of donors getting a return on their money is the worsening of the opioid crisis. Last fall 60 Minutes produced a documentary revealing how the U. S. Drug Enforcement Administration was thwarted from protecting citizens by taking away the DEA’s power to clamp down on corrupt drug distributors. In 2016 Congress passed a law with bi-partisan support and signed by Pres. Obama that makes it nearly impossible for the DEA to stop the distribution of opioids on the black market to corrupt doctors and corrupt pharmacists. The drug industry contributed over $1 million to election campaigns.

 

If you would like to do something about this problem, please attend the American Promise citizen event on Thurs., Jan. 25, 7 p.m. at the Handke/Community Ed Center in Elk River. Discussion and ideas will be presented on how we, as ordinary citizens, can pass a 28th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution taking special interest money out of a government that was meant to be of, for, and by the people.