Political Action Committees
A fundamental cause of American's loss of morality and loss
of genuine constitutional rights
by Lee F. McKenzie (Utah)
After careful study I have come to a realization that certain fundamental
factors have led to a progressive abandonment of moral values by the major
political parties. In times past, a large and difficult task of the major
political parties was to raise money which they would use in party building and
the promotion of candidates. In recent years the controlling parties have placed
restrictions on private political contributions. While such restrictions sound
noble, the major political parties have at the same time allowed political
action committees (PAC's) to contribute unlimited funds called "Soft
Money". PAC's are independent organizations which can range from labor
unions and businesses to professional societies and ethnic groups. The once
difficult job of raising national campaign money has all but vanished. On the
internet I found a web site which summarizes all of the PAC money which is
reported nationwide. In the 1996 election cycle a total in excess of
$194,000,000 was donated by just the top 100 PAC's in America. Oft times a
particular PAC will give to both major political parties, not caring which party
wins. The only concern is that when legislation is enacted, the interests of the
PAC's are met. PAC's have become the major power source for the controlling
political parties. Political party platforms as well as legislation are bent to
satisfy the demands of PAC's. In essence, the major political parties have sold
themselves. I recall a scripture from the Bible which seems most appropriate:
Exodus 23:8 And thou shalt take no gift: for the gift blindeth the wise, and
perverteth the words of the righteous.
It is my conviction that --
• we can never win the war for Right to Life,
• we can never win the war against the homosexual agenda,
• we can never win the war against pornography,
• we can never win the war against drugs,
• we can never win the war against gambling,
• we can never win the war against crime,
• we will never rid ourselves of big, arrogant government,
• we will not retain Genuine Constitutional Rights,
• we will not preserve our national sovereignty --
until government leaders are freed from the chains by which they are bound in
PAC's. PAC money ties elected officials to big financial interests and ignores
moral and Constitutional values.
A prime example is the fact that the very largest PAC in America, "EMILY's
LIST", advocates unrestricted abortions. Clear thinking on what is best for
America will only come when legislators are loyal only to God, and to genuine
Constitutional principles of freedom and liberty.
Another example is the fact that over 15% of all PAC money comes from
federal, state and municipal employees. In essence the public employs public
servants. Unions of public servants then give money to legislators for the
purpose of making sure public servants get premium benefits and keep their jobs
regardless of whether the jobs are needed. The result is that public servants
have become public masters, who maintain their power well beyond the puny terms
of the legislators.
SUGGESTED ACTIONS: Election laws have traditionally been within the purview
of state, county and local governments. From this perspective it is totally
appropriate for the state legislatures to enact the following laws:
• Prohibit the use of out of state PAC funds for campaigns associated
with state elected officials.
and/or
• Prohibit the use of all PAC funds in state elections.
• Prohibit the collection of PAC funds in a state.
