Money too greatly influences campaigns

Lazlo Stephen in his recent letter claimed the drawdown of troops in Iraq is a mistake, and he attributes self-serving motives to President Obama for doing so. The elected Iraq authorities don’t think so. They have removed immunity for collateral damage from occupying troops based there. Iraqi citizens have had more than their share of collateral damage including the inevitable abusive kind. The United States is in no financial position to assume responsibility for further collateral damage.

Lazlo thinks President Obama’s domestic programs have brought this country to near bankruptcy. How about two wars and greedy manipulations on Wall Street, a huge tax break for wealthy citizens, let alone an unfunded Medicare perk to the drug companies during the Bush administration?

Lazlo may get his way, finding Obama defeated in 2012. The Supreme Court has added considerable stacking of the deck by their “Citizens United” decision. Corporations can pour unlimited funds into campaigns. This country will continue it’s slide from a democracy to an oligarchy. Campaign finance reform is sorely needed. Money has far too much influence.

Jerry Peterson

Mount Prospect