"When our politicians make their political decisions based on who's given the most money, we don't have a political system, we have an auction."
In the last month, I've been invited to two events with my US rep, one of these with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, one solo; and another separate event with Rep. Thomas Massie (solo). This…
"When our politicians make their political decisions based on who's given the most money, we don't have a political system, we have an auction."
In the last month, I've been invited to two events with my US rep, one of these with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, one solo; and another separate event with Rep. Thomas Massie (solo). This is not because there's anything special about me, but rather, because I've had a history of activity in recent years, much more so before I quit my job over COVID nonsense.
Rep. Massie came in from out of state. Charged a reasonable event fee. Was one of the nicest, most genuine, funniest people one could hope to meet, and was perfectly happy to spend a few minutes talking to me with undivided attention.
For a 3/25 event I had accepted an invitation with a $500 event fee to gather with my rep and Scalise. $500 was for the bare, non-VIP entry. I came in at the non-VIP hour, they began speaking almost immediately, and shortly after wrapping up Q&A, they were both gone.
A few days ago, I declined another invite from my rep's staff. I explained politely that if after 4 years of activity, I've made no progress from all my letters and phone calls; if no one but one staffer can put a name with my face; if after $3000++ dollars in cumulative donations I'm still a plebe; if I don't even merit a hello and a handshake; then they can remove my name from their systematic e-mail regime of invitation and follow-up, as well as their postal list. I'm done.
So many politicians use us, take our contributions, and then spit us out or ignore us when we ask them to protect our freedom and tax money. And the best ones rarely get elected because of all the money behind the ones who are not even second best.
I still think my rep is a fine and talented woman, and I think her star is on the rise (along with her event fees). They move in a world of high intensity and high corruption, and it takes a special person not to be affected by that. I hope she can hang on to her obvious charm and decency, and not forget about the little people or the big issues that are politically dangerous to confront.
We have some good ones in Idaho, local legislature and local government. But even so, most of the offices are filled with corruption especially in my legislative district. We’re working to get a new batch that we hope will be less corruptible, like your rep. If they win, and all others in the Idaho Freedom Caucus are retained, we have a chance to clean house.
The key is to get to know these folks in person — before they hit the big time — and to stay in touch with them. The ones who give you their phone #s and answer your calls and emails without begging for money each time are the keepers.
And I am so sick and tired of all the TEXTS asking for money! I donate what I can, directly to the candidate of my choice. When I’m done, I’m done. Leave me alone! Anyone else?
Yes me! I want to know why I have to pay tons of taxes and THEN rebuy the governance I want! What’s up with asking me to contribute to passing a certain bill, or fighting for some issue. I already paid for them to get to Congress and then for them to get a salary and health benefits etc. why do I have to buy my constitutional rights over and over again!!!! I’ll say it again: stop paying taxes until we can assign them for or not for every damn spending proposal. That and only that will fix Washington DC
Barbara, you're absolutely right. I'm deluged with texts.
I learned how to change a setting on my phone to screen out unknown senders. I get a small fraction of the pings I would otherwise get, and this helps a lot during this political silly season.
And having had a close call with a fraudster at least once, and now wondering how many times over the years I've made a donation just on someone's say-so about who they're collecting for; I'm now very careful about texts and phone calls. If I decide to donate, I go straight to a candidate's verifiable website. No links.
Should be immediate. I can see mine split out between "known senders" and "all messages." Only known senders produce a ping. I just go back and clean out the garbage texts every couple of days.
"When our politicians make their political decisions based on who's given the most money, we don't have a political system, we have an auction."
In the last month, I've been invited to two events with my US rep, one of these with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, one solo; and another separate event with Rep. Thomas Massie (solo). This is not because there's anything special about me, but rather, because I've had a history of activity in recent years, much more so before I quit my job over COVID nonsense.
Rep. Massie came in from out of state. Charged a reasonable event fee. Was one of the nicest, most genuine, funniest people one could hope to meet, and was perfectly happy to spend a few minutes talking to me with undivided attention.
For a 3/25 event I had accepted an invitation with a $500 event fee to gather with my rep and Scalise. $500 was for the bare, non-VIP entry. I came in at the non-VIP hour, they began speaking almost immediately, and shortly after wrapping up Q&A, they were both gone.
A few days ago, I declined another invite from my rep's staff. I explained politely that if after 4 years of activity, I've made no progress from all my letters and phone calls; if no one but one staffer can put a name with my face; if after $3000++ dollars in cumulative donations I'm still a plebe; if I don't even merit a hello and a handshake; then they can remove my name from their systematic e-mail regime of invitation and follow-up, as well as their postal list. I'm done.
Understand. Above and beyond your call of duty. What shortsighted people we elect.
So many politicians use us, take our contributions, and then spit us out or ignore us when we ask them to protect our freedom and tax money. And the best ones rarely get elected because of all the money behind the ones who are not even second best.
I still think my rep is a fine and talented woman, and I think her star is on the rise (along with her event fees). They move in a world of high intensity and high corruption, and it takes a special person not to be affected by that. I hope she can hang on to her obvious charm and decency, and not forget about the little people or the big issues that are politically dangerous to confront.
We have some good ones in Idaho, local legislature and local government. But even so, most of the offices are filled with corruption especially in my legislative district. We’re working to get a new batch that we hope will be less corruptible, like your rep. If they win, and all others in the Idaho Freedom Caucus are retained, we have a chance to clean house.
The key is to get to know these folks in person — before they hit the big time — and to stay in touch with them. The ones who give you their phone #s and answer your calls and emails without begging for money each time are the keepers.
And I am so sick and tired of all the TEXTS asking for money! I donate what I can, directly to the candidate of my choice. When I’m done, I’m done. Leave me alone! Anyone else?
Yes me! I want to know why I have to pay tons of taxes and THEN rebuy the governance I want! What’s up with asking me to contribute to passing a certain bill, or fighting for some issue. I already paid for them to get to Congress and then for them to get a salary and health benefits etc. why do I have to buy my constitutional rights over and over again!!!! I’ll say it again: stop paying taxes until we can assign them for or not for every damn spending proposal. That and only that will fix Washington DC
Yes! I agree.
Barbara, you're absolutely right. I'm deluged with texts.
I learned how to change a setting on my phone to screen out unknown senders. I get a small fraction of the pings I would otherwise get, and this helps a lot during this political silly season.
And having had a close call with a fraudster at least once, and now wondering how many times over the years I've made a donation just on someone's say-so about who they're collecting for; I'm now very careful about texts and phone calls. If I decide to donate, I go straight to a candidate's verifiable website. No links.
Yes, my daughter just showed me how to block the unwanted texts. Have been doing it non stop now for two days. How long does it take to make a dent?
Should be immediate. I can see mine split out between "known senders" and "all messages." Only known senders produce a ping. I just go back and clean out the garbage texts every couple of days.
Yeah it’s like setting off a chain reaction💣
I’d be done too! Totally unacceptable! 🤬🤯