This post relates to a Guardian newspaper article printed on Tuesday 12th May. It can be read here- Barack Obama's key climate bill hit by $45m PR campaign
There is currently a PR battle waging in the US between environmental groups and the oil, gas and coal industry. So far the big players have spent $44.5 million this year on media campaigns, lobbying companies and donations to Congress members. Obama's bill could make a huge impact on global warming, not only cutting US emissions but leading by example. Countries would no longer be able to hide behind the excuse "America isn't playing ball so why should we?".
I realised the extent of the problem when watching a BBC Panorama programme back in January (it can be viewed here What Now, Mr President?). It focuses on how some of the poorest citizens cannot afford health insurance and the challenges Obama faces if he pushes for health reform. It was stated that every Senator had taken donations from lobby groups including Barack Obama. Before important bills are drawn up concerning issues such as health care, global warming and defense spending shouldn't the issue of donations to pivotal congress members be addressed?
Essentially, democracy has failed and yet the problems are overlooked. I guess no one wants to lose their campaign funding. Of course, any change to the system would require a vote which would cause those with the most to lose (e.g. the lobbying firms) to want to buy congress members. Its a messy situation and leads to the question - who is really in power in Washington? I don't believe the public will ever fully know the extent to which rich companies control the elected. Maybe its not as bad I think, or maybe these recent examples are only the tip of the iceberg.
2 comments:
It's definitely as bad as you think, I'd say it's even worse. Americans know how much the lobby groups control our elected officials, but money is might in America. So your average citizen who is out working an 8 hour work day is much more concerned with the fact that they can't afford to pick up their perscription from the pharmacy than with the fact that there is a group of people creating the situation. And the isolationist attitude of America as a nation has been deeply ingrained in her people. "I'm only one person, what can I do?" tends to be a common thread among most people.
All this coming from an American who can NOT afford healthcare! Land of the free... Free what?
Thanks for the reply Mearia, only just realised! Almost a year later! I'm trying to set up an email notification when someone replies. I'm not used to replies! A year ago i wasn't sure anyone was even reading this. im gonna probably switch to tumblr soon just cos its better designed and easier to use (jonnysouster.tumblr.com). Have only switched two posts so far though. Its good to get an American viewpoint on this cos in many ways I'm only guessing. It does help to have an outside view on US politics, to some extent I can see past the partisan divide and am not biased either way (Although I favour the democrats if I had to choose). Things are gearing up for a big election here. Will definitely be one in May, very soon. Haven't got any idea who to vote for (maybe Labour, I'm more left leaning than right) the parties are in a right mess - after the expenses scandal, the public are very angry with MPs in general- and i think parliament as a whole needs completely revamping.
You might find the God's Politics blog interesting, I sure do. You've probably heard of Sojourners although im not sure how well known they are in the US. Its Jim Wallis again (http://blog.sojo.net/). They've currently got a campaign called 1 million Christians for Social Justice. Sounds good to me.
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