Keep fighting for campaign reforms

Your editorial “We all have an obligation as voters” (Nov. 27) was right on the money. We had better wake up to what is going on at all levels of government and start holding the people we elect accountable. These are things I have been harping about in letters to this and other publications for a long time. Even if we start doing the things we should have been doing right along, it’s a daunting task.

There are some major changes that need to take place in both Washington and Springfield. More than anything else we need some rules in place concerning lobbying and campaign financing that assures us that our government is not for sale. Therein lies a huge problem because the very same people who benefit from a corrupt system are the ones who make the laws. Overcoming this is a pretty big hurdle, but it must be done.

Lobbyists in Washington outnumber lawmakers by a sizable margin. They spread money around like it grows on trees. Never mind who’s running or their party affiliation, they donate to all of them. Anyone who thinks the recipients aren’t indebted are not in touch with reality. This situation has to stop if we expect our government to be for the people.

I have suggested to all three of my representatives in Washington to pass a law that makes it a felony for lobbyists and their employers to make donations to any office holder, candidate for office or political party. The same for goes for those who accept these donations. Of course, no one has replied.

So, where do we go from here? I don’t know, but I will keep trying. I hope you will too.

Ron Flowers

Elk Grove Village