Former President Jimmy Carter: The U.S. Is An ‘Oligarchy With Unlimited Political Bribery’
We are, in my opinion, so fortunate to have a man like Jimmy Carter to speak the truth and call it like he sees it. That’s one of the things I admire most about this great man and former President of the United States.
Once again the 39th President is speaking out on what he sees happening in America, especially as it relates to how money controls the political process.
Speaking on the nationally syndicated radio show the Thom Hartmann Program, President Carter was asked specifically about the Supreme Court saying in the Citizens United ruling that corporations have a First Amendment right of speech which allows them to donate obscene amounts of money to campaigns. Carter did not mince his words on the issue:
It violates the essence of what made America a great country in its political system. Now it’s just an oligarchy, with unlimited political bribery being the essence of getting the nominations for president or to elect the president….READ MORE at LiberalAmerica.org
Copyright 2015 Liberaland
By: Andrew Bradford
Andrew Bradford is an author, academic, and political activist who lives in Atlanta. He is a Senior Writer for Liberal America and also has his own blog at deepleftfield.info
25 responses to Former President Jimmy Carter: The U.S. Is An ‘Oligarchy With Unlimited Political Bribery’
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Hirightnow July 31st, 2015 at 17:03
He’s only saying this because he’s beholden to …..to….the….ummmm…the, uh…..
THEM! THAT’S IT;THEM!!!
NW10 July 31st, 2015 at 17:04
I disagree with POTUS Carter on this one. If money determined who gets elected, then we’d have a Governor Whitman, a Senator Fiorina, and a President Romney. Votes determine who gets elected.
Roctuna July 31st, 2015 at 17:51
Perhaps there’s not a direct one for one relationship between dollars and votes but I think it’s undeniable that the money controls who the candidates will be. When six unelected billionaires summon the leading gop candidates and lay down the law I think that’s buying the candidate. They don’t even feel the need to hide it any more. I don’t see how all the money can be good for the process. Do you have the stroke to summon your favorite candidate? I know I don’t.
Larry Schmitt July 31st, 2015 at 17:51
But money rules the system. Fund raising is what matters, not the worth of the candidate. We should have more and better choices than we do. Lobbyists own congress.
The Original Just Me July 31st, 2015 at 21:17
That is why there are so many EX-Congressmen in the Lobbying Business.
Gindy51 July 31st, 2015 at 17:56
Possibly wrong on the national level but definitely right on the state and local level.
The Original Just Me July 31st, 2015 at 21:15
Naw, it’s everywhere.
Hirightnow July 31st, 2015 at 17:58
Yeah….what would he know about it,right?
Suzanne McFly July 31st, 2015 at 18:13
We may not have those specific candidates, but most of our current ones are bought and paid for. You or I would never be able to run in a truthful sense.
Larry Schmitt July 31st, 2015 at 18:22
And representatives spend most of their two year terms either campaigning or fund raising. That leaves very little time to create actual legislation.
allison1050 July 31st, 2015 at 19:31
And that’s exactly why they spend most of the 3 days per week they are in DC making calls, allowing themselves to be wooed and courted and having lunch and then of course cocktails and dinner of course.
The Original Just Me July 31st, 2015 at 21:13
I once read a report on the actual time spent by a Representative on the Floor of the House doing the work they were sent there to do. I want that job !
allison1050 August 1st, 2015 at 06:50
And then you add in the benefits!
The Original Just Me August 1st, 2015 at 10:19
Benefits, Oh Yea, there are all of those young Pages, Girls and Boys alike. That alone keeps a lot of them busy. Just ask Newt.
The Original Just Me July 31st, 2015 at 21:11
Oh, we could run, but it would be to No Where.
The Original Just Me July 31st, 2015 at 21:10
You have proven that some people, enough people, can not be bought or fooled by Big Money.
fahvel August 1st, 2015 at 04:08
yes, but to override the $, instead of having the opportunity to choose viable and good candidates is what makes the fn money evil. It occupies more of politics than ideas.
eyelashviper August 1st, 2015 at 11:01
In order to even run, vast sums of money are essential, and are far beyond the reach of many people who would be qualified. Pols sell their souls and future policies to get those sums of money, and we all suffer greatly.
Warman1138 July 31st, 2015 at 19:32
Carter, one of the most honest presidents to have ever served just pounded that nail on the head in one blow. ( I was and still am a Jimmy fan )
The Original Just Me July 31st, 2015 at 21:08
I have always, admired and respected this exemplary man. While others were berating him, I stood fast in my high opinion of him. Time has proven that he deserves to be Honored.
ohpaleasegivemeabreak August 1st, 2015 at 11:01
Amen to that – I’ve always loved him. You can tell how great he was by how much the right despises him and tries to belittle his accomplishments, humanity and great wisdom.
The Original Just Me August 1st, 2015 at 14:21
His rightful legacy will be the Most Honest and Trustworthy President the U.S. has ever had. His intelligence and education are beyond reproach. His one down fall as a leader was that he tried to do too much himself. He could not delegate work to others and walk away. His was a time when no matter who was President, things would not have gone well.
amersham46 July 31st, 2015 at 21:14
again the letter of the law beats common sense
Mike August 1st, 2015 at 07:47
Corporations have turned the modern day politician into nothing more than a puppet.
crc3 August 1st, 2015 at 20:31
Conservatives think Carter was the worst president ever. They would be wrong. Don’t have to look very far into the past to find the worst (at least in my lifetime). The winner? GWB of course followed by Tricky Dicky Nixon…