There is an issue regarding modern politics that I personally find atrocious: Only the rich can become president of the United States. I don't know when the country made this transition from candidates that were genuinely good for the country to candidates that have the most money. A presidential candidate is not even considered a true threat unless they have ammased a few million dollars. Be it from campaign contributions or simply dipping into their gold-plated piggy banks, these candidates know that the major driving force behind their hopes of moving onto Pennsylvania Avenue is the almighty dollar. Who can advertise the most, who can get their face out there the most? Collectively the major candidates have already raised over $250 million and it is being projected that they will raise over half a billion before the race is over. I can't really imagine a solution to this issue, but it really bothers me. Our elected leaders should be elected on merit, not money.
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First, candidates don't own the money they take in for their campaigns. If they are not already in office they are allowed to pay themselves up to what they would make in office--and few do. People don't seem to realize that a political contribution is more than just giving to some shameless media whore. A political campaign is about transmitting ideas and trying to get someone capable elected to office. Most people have to be convinced to donate, and often convincing means proving one's ability to serve in that office. I was once asked "Why should I give to your campaign, if I am going to be giving away money it would be better spent on homeless shelters or fighting disease." If you find a candidate you agree with, however, giving to them is a way of compounding your money to put not only your 10, 20 or 100 dollars towards homeless shelters and fighting disease, but the collective will of society.
Say what you want about politics, but a few well placed dollars in a political campaign can have a drastic impact on the future of our world.
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