A long, expensive and ironic election process is nearing an end.
Democracy’s most healthy exercise, voting, is the nation’s best example of the freedoms Americans enjoy and cherish.
It also contains some irony in 2012. In Indiana, Hoosiers are required to show a state-issued photo ID to cast a ballot at the polls Tuesday. If they are not already a licensed driver, they can get a photo ID at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch. At the BMV, they’ll need a birth certificate, military ID or passport to get that photo ID. Proponents of the photo-ID voting law contend that it protects the integrity of the process.
Hoosiers and millions of other Americans have been inundated with more than 1 million television ads by the presidential campaigns and “super PACS” supporting either President Obama or Republican Mitt Romney this year. Thanks to the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court “Citizens United” decision and other federal court actions that unbridled the campaign finance system, corporations, labor unions, and other special-interest organizations are pouring unlimited contributions to create and fund those super political-action-committees, adding more than half-a-billion dollars to the already eye-popping $800 million spent by both the Obama and Romney campaigns, according to The Associated Press.
Total campaign spending by outside groups exceeds $1 billion, according to the nonprofit Sunshine Foundation, cited by The AP. Nearly $900 million of that $1 billion goes toward attacking the rival candidate.
Unlike Hoosiers trying to exercise their vote, many donors behind the super PACs get to remain largely anonymous under the wide-open finance laws. Federal disclosure rules are often circumvented. As The AP reported, nonprofit “social welfare” groups funnel millions of dollars through the super PACs for “issue ads,” but those nonprofits are governed by tax laws and they do not have to reveal their donors’ names.
So, exactly which group poses the greatest threat to the integrity of the electoral process — an elderly woman who hasn’t held a driver’s license for 20 years, or a shadowy political-action group funded by a yet-undisclosed handful of billionaires?
The lax campaign financing laws essentially give a few wealthy individuals, powerful corporations and labor groups free reign to slap a nondescript name on their blizzard of super PAC television ads, in hopes of convincing voters to back the candidate that will favor the big donors’ objectives. Of course, before those voters cast a ballot for the super PAC candidates, they’ll need to pull out their driver’s license.
Once the dust settles on the election, the 113th Congress needs to address the nation’s campaign finance regulations. Full accountability should not be expected only of average American voters.
Opinion
EDITORIAL: One nation under full accountability
Campaign finance regulations need to be addressed
- Opinion
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EDITORIAL: It’s happening, and it’s here
There’s nothing to do in Terre Haute or in Vigo County.
Or Marshall, Ill. Or Brazil. Or Paris. -
EDITORIAL: A timely call-out of NSA critics
As if it couldn’t get worse, politicians in Washington have again tied themselves in knots.
Yes, we know. What else is new? -
READERS' FORUM: June 19, 2013
• Nutrition info falling short
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RONN MOTT: Why Syria?
Russia is making a lot of noise in favor of Syria. They are supplying Assad’s army with more armaments and basic things such as ammunition and such.
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LIZ CIANCONE: Another beloved dog goes to heaven
We are short one granddog. This past week, “Indy” could no longer use her back legs and she went to that great dog kennel in the hereafter.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 18, 2013
• Beware those who follow Ayn Rand
• Poor excuse for gas price hikes
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MAX JONES: For loyal readers, a bit of news from the T-S newsroom
As journalists toiling to create a content-rich, relevant and compelling community newspaper each day, we feel a special bond with our legions of readers across the Wabash Valley and beyond.
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GUEST COLUMN: One Million Bones exhibit meant to raise awareness, inspire action to end genocide
The National Mall: A grassy corridor in Washington, D.C., lined with America’s greatest museums and monuments.
Ending at the U.S. Capitol building, it is a symbol of our belief in the power and greatness of America. Last weekend, we turned it into a mass grave.
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EDITORIAL: Insisting on ISTEP quality lawmakers’ primary duty
Now that everyone, on both sides of the aisle, seems backslappingly happy to agree that this spring’s ISTEP school testing debacle was unacceptable, that at least some of the results lack credibility and that the issue carries high-stakes significance, what next?
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The Obama Debate: Is he a liar or incompetent?
I read the letters on the opinion page daily and I find an unusual silence from your liberal progressive contributors lately. Could it be because they don’t have anything to expound upon? Well, maybe I can give them some material.
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A Fathers Day Tribute: Transition — from child to father
Transition seems like a big word to use as his story unfolds. Transition was probably never used in conjunction with speech, his speech, but it demonstrates his life, as it does in many lives lived in his generation.
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READERS' FORUM: June 16, 2013
Horrible crime cries out for stern justice
Confused about groups’ merger
Global warming fraud exposed
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The Obama Debate: President has served us well
I have not heard a positive thing by those in this area about this president since his 2008 election and 2009 inauguration. Why this manifestation, I just can’t understand.
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RONN MOTT: Not hurried a bit by 21st century tech
Unlike so many of you, I do not get up in the morning and run to turn on my computer. In fact, if you need to reach me in a hurry, I would say that 19th century invention of Alexander Bell’s would be the best way. If you do email me or use some other electronic convenience, better give it a couple of days because I am not in that big of a hurry.
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READERS' FORUM: June 15, 2013
America needs another hero
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EDITORIAL: And now we wait for justice
It is a word we would rather never have on our front page — homicide. That we had to use it twice on Wednesday’s front page is sad, but unavoidable.
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READERS' FORUM: June 14, 2013
Mott statements contradict history
Display the flag
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RONN MOTT: Kill the Umpire!
I don’t know who appointed Major League Baseball’s umpires “Gods,” but if they have been appointed “Gods,” they have appointed people who cannot see or think very well.
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READERS' FORUM: June 13, 2013
Bad odor from gas prices
Build personal library
Morning after? No worries
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EDITORIAL: Remembering Sister Jeanne
Terre Haute is mourning the loss this week of an accomplished and beloved community activist and leader whose life’s work is an inspiration to all who strive to serve.
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EDITORIAL: Embrace the value of traffic planning
Never underestimate the value of a good plan to deal with a crisis, large or small, even if the final analysis of the management of a specific crisis is, “It could have been worse.”
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READERS' FORUM: June 12, 2013
Like it or not, change coming
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RONN MOTT: What’s happening?
I know I may have looked at these situations differently when I was in my twenties. The world, my life, my career, and the growth of my family all lay ahead of me. So perhaps now, many years later, I see it differently.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 11, 2013
• Great support for local cause
• Another idea on housing issue
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LIZ CIANCONE: Withdrawn society not very social any more
My Best Friend and I went out for lunch the other day. It was a sit-down place with our own “server” (in my day I was called “a waitress”) and everything offering personal attention. The manager even came over to ask if everything was all right.
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READERS’ FORUM: June 10, 2013
• What is the cost of our austerity?
• Vintage campers to gather at rally
• Seek a healthy food alternative
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EDITORIAL: It’s time to assess ISTEP
Later this month, the company behind this spring’s abysmal online administration of ISTEP testing for 27,000 Hoosier schoolchildren is being called to the principal’s office.
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Readers’ Forum: June 9, 2013
• Taking time to help the world
• Reform by politics will not improve education
• Questions from a wondering mind
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FLASHPOINT: Storm chasers must heed warnings, remember why we chase storms
The tragic death of noted weather researcher and former Discovery Channel storm chaser Tim Samaras has shaken all of us in the meteorological community.
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Will you be happy if you win the lottery?
A Psychology Today article titled “What Will You Do if You Win the $550 Million Powerball Lottery?” caught my attention. Helping lottery winners with their money is my long-time gig.
- More Opinion Headlines
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EDITORIAL: It’s happening, and it’s here
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Miami Heat Wins in Overtime
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Fists, chairs fly in restaurant brawl
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Video: worst way to load cargo onto a plane
Never-before-seen footage of '08 Times Square bomber
