Although we have had a some serious setbacks with the recent Supreme Court decision (Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission) allowing unlimited corporate contributions, on top of the tax exempt, “educational” organizations (501c4) that allow tax exempt, unlimited, and anonymous contributions, we should not give up. Especially, we should not give up on getting detailed transparency of exactly where the money is coming from and their legislative and regulatory interests. This is achievable if everyone demands it, and both parties would be hard pressed to be against it.

The corrupt facilitators of anonymous money, money so often used to protect and advance the private vested interest and against the general welfare, should have really tough and enforced legislation shoved down their deceitful, anti-democratic throats. Daylight versus darkness is the issue here, and even the religious right (so often manipulated to protect vested corporate interests) would be hard pressed to sanction secrecy in the source of money used in political campaigns and daily lobbying efforts. This tough and enforced legislation is the immediate task, and honest Tea Partiers, Republicans, liberals, moderates, and Democrats are well poised to join hands in this particular effort. It would be a most constructive use of our collective anger.

In the long run, a dynamic and effective “media education” should be age appropriately taught in every school at every educational level; elementary/middle school, high school, and college. Learning the techniques of mass media manipulation, used to sell everything from toothpaste to political candidates, is absolutely essential if we are to have a free people making free and informed choices in a mass media age. What school teacher, school board, or citizen would not support a serious effort (a serious effort!) to give their students the absolutely essential tools to understand the most powerful influences in their lives. The current level of political and media ignorance is a national disgrace.

Unfortunately you’re in a small minority. Even if people only watch a little TV they still get a huge dose of propaganda. Too bad the founding fathers never dreamed elections would be run by huge corporations using the same strategies they use to sell cigarettes and beer.