Money makes the world go round, or in this case, American politics…
This post relates to a Guardian newspaper article printed on Tuesday 12th May. It can be read here- Barack Obama’s key climate bill hit by $45m PR campaign
There is currently a PR battle waging in the US between environmental groups and the oil, gas and coal industry. So far the big players have spent $44.5 million this year on media campaigns, lobbying companies and donations to Congress members. Obama’s bill could make a huge impact on global warming, not only cutting US emissions but leading by example. Countries would no longer be able to hide behind the excuse “America isn’t playing ball so why should we?”.
While I agree with Obama’s plans what shocked me about this article was the hold US companies have on politics. The money spent on “donations to pivotal members of Congress” is particularly eye catching. Why is this not illegal? Is it not clear that donors are pulling the strings when it comes to important votes in Congress? Maybe I’m missing a trick here but I thought politicians weren’t supposed to be bought. It appears to be ingrained into American politics, a legitimate form of financing a senators campaign. It is not small amounts either. According to the article, “seven of those pivotal Democrats received campaign donations in excess of $100,000 from the oil and gas industry, coal producers, and electricity firms during last year’s elections”. Big business influence is hindering Obama’s plans to make health care more affordable too. Another huge industry worth billions, the private health care system has its fair share of aggressive lobby groups.
I realised the extent of the problem when watching a BBC Panorama programme back in January called ‘What Now, Mr President?’. It focuses on how some of the poorest citizens cannot afford health insurance and the challenges Obama faces if he pushes for health reform. It was stated that every Senator had taken donations from lobby groups including Barack Obama. Before important bills are drawn up concerning issues such as health care, global warming and defence spending shouldn’t the issue of donations to pivotal congress members be addressed?
Essentially, democracy has failed and yet the problems are overlooked. I guess no one wants to lose their campaign funding. Of course, any change to the system would require a vote which would cause those with the most to lose (e.g. the lobbying firms) to want to buy congress members. Its a messy situation and leads to the question - who is really in power in Washington? I don’t believe the public will ever fully know the extent to which rich companies control the elected. Maybe its not as bad I think, or maybe these recent examples are only the tip of the iceberg.
