"Our National Integrity"
This essay appeared in the August 2, 2007 issue of The Ellsworth
American.
Commentary: Mutual Extortion
By the Rev. David Paul Henry
The race for President of the
the latest standings: In sixth place is John Edwards (D), with $23.1
million. Fifth is John McCain (R), $26.4 million. Fourth is Rudolph
Giuliani (R), $35.6 million. Third is Mitt Romney (R), $44.4 million.
Second is Barack Obama (D), $58.9 million. And in first place, with
$63.1 million, is (drum roll please) Hillary Clinton (D).
Perhaps I’m being cynical, but I find it hard to believe that
contributors give all this money to candidates without expecting
anything in return. A particularly insidious dimension of campaign
financing could be called mutual extortion. Wealthy interests know that
candidates need money, lots of it, to campaign. So they provide it in
order to have some influence when a matter affecting their interests
comes up. They look for candidates who have some chance of success, and
who are willing to play the game.
Candidates approach contributors on the same basis: If you want a seat
at the table after I’m elected, give now. It is an offer vested
interests can’t refuse. So, for example, pharmaceutical money finds its
way into the pockets of politicians on both sides of the aisle.
Already, candidates are dropping out because they can’t afford to keep
campaigning. Before the first caucus is held, before the first primary
ballot is cast, the only candidates to choose amongst will be those who
play the money game. Come November 2008, once again we will complain
about having to vote for the lesser of two evils.
One of the most important functions of government is to take up the
cause of the poor, the weak, those without clout or deep pockets, and
defend their rights against the interests of the rich and powerful.
This wisdom can be found in what observant Jews and Christians call
scripture, expressed often in the Psalms and Proverbs and the writings
of the prophets. Isaiah chapter 58 and Psalm number 72 indicate that
providing justice for the poor leads to national security and national
prosperity. Proverbs chapter 29 verse 14 even promises political job
security without term limits: “If a king judges the poor with equity,
his throne will be established forever.”
The money game method of choosing a president runs counter to biblical
wisdom about government. That is why the candidates it produces inspire
so little confidence. What is the likelihood that the next President of
the
The Rev. David Paul Henry is pastor of
notes: "In good Baptist tradition, the people of
are free to form their own views, and they do not always agree with the
opinions of their pastor."
