Letters to the President #1097: 'Sharing the wealth, part three!'

Reporter's Note: This could turn out to be the most expensive presidential election ever. And that’s saying something considering that the last one involved about 5 billion dollars being collected and spent by candidates, political parties, and interest groups.

Dear Mr. President,

Ok, now I’m on a tear! Here it is, the third day that I am returning to this subject.

To recap: You, your Republican challengers, the parties, and special interest groups are raising an absolutely mind-boggling amount of money for this election, at a time when people are struggling immensely. You all say that you are doing this so that you can help the nation. I’m saying, “Go ahead! Help them now with some of that fortune!”

I want to clarify what I mean. I’m not talking about a vast giveaway program. Sure, some of the money could go directly to helping people keep their houses or businesses, but I suspect it would be better spent if it went to spurring something that might sustain growth over time. You know that old saying, “Buy a man a fish, and he will eat today; teach him how to fish, and he’ll never be around to mow the lawn on weekends.” Maybe that’s not how it goes, but you get my point.

What I’m saying is instead of just taking all that money and using it for ads, or flyers, or rallies, or whatever it might go for, use it for campaigning... but redefine what campaigning is all about. Go to the places that are hurting and set up shop to help. Pour that money into businesses, communities, schools, churches, wherever it might do the most good. In other words, you political types should do with your campaign money what you are always trying to do with our tax money... spend it!

I know that there are programs out there which you wanted to fund but just couldn’t afford. So pay for them!

Again, you shouldn’t have to do this alone. This ought to be a joint venture between the two major parties and all candidates. Hey, if you can’t find a way to cooperate within the bounds of government, maybe you can figure out how to get along outside the halls of Congress. Come on, you’ve got the money... give it a whirl!

Regards,

Tom