I could not believe how much money President Bush raised during his recent fundraiser! Correct me if I am wrong, but I think the figure was in the neighborhood of $200 million! Wow...that is a serious warchest! If I was from the other side to the aisle, I would have serious thoughts concerning my bid (especially our African American Candidates). Imagine if this type of money was raised for something else...maybe social programs! Imagine if persons were able to provide this additional funding towards public education...maybe improving the plight of many of our underpaid, overworked teachers in the public schools! Alas, this is America! What type of chance do others have who may not have access to create a seriuos warchest to counter the imcumbent. $200 million and growing tells me that if you wish to live a t 1600...2008 would be a good year! What do you think?

-- Anonymous, June 20, 2003

Answers

Parson Ray -

You have no one to thank other than your Jr. Senator from Wisconsin, Russ Feingold. If he and his fellow "campaign reform zealot" Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) had not demagogued the issue about banning "soft money" perhaps we would not see the huge disparities in hard money. But, this is what many of us predicted as a likely outcome. Attempts to regulate campaign spending without compromising 1st Amendment protections is high-risk politics. If people desire to give money according to their political preferences this act should not be misconstrued as social malfeasance. QED

-- Anonymous, June 20, 2003

Bill,

I agree . . . . . I think. . . ?????

-- Anonymous, June 20, 2003

Currently I am a full time seminarian and I am also working with a Virginia Senate campaign. Campaign Reform leads to a linger question of mine...how feasible is it for a minister to work for social transformation through a local or statewide office? I'd like to hear your comments.

-- Anonymous, July 06, 2003