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Frequently I read articles in the Bangor Daily News on money in politics. I’ve learned that big donors are funding political campaigns to buy influence and advance their own interests. The average American spends less than five minutes per week focusing on politics and the donor class knows this. They spoon feed disinformation and soundbites while long-form interviews and facts often get buried. The good news is it doesn’t have to be this way.
Since 1976, a series of Supreme Court cases have stripped voters and their elected representatives of their ability to regulate political spending. I believe the only lasting solution is a constitutional amendment. Twenty-five states have already passed resolutions in support of an amendment to address unlimited political spending.
Today we mark Constitution Day, celebrating the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. I hope we all pause and appreciate the document that established a vision of our freedom while also creating a process for the document’s ratification and amendment. Americans have already added 27 amendments to the Constitution. It’s time to add another.
On Constitution Day, every U.S. educational institution that receives federal funds is required to hold an educational program on the Constitution. What a great opportunity to learn how “we the people” can fix our campaign finance system with a constitutional amendment.
This Constitution Day, the best way to honor the Constitution is to learn how to help make this amendment a reality.
David Potter
Fort Kent