Vicious circle of wealth in politics continues

The wealth of billionaires in the United States — and worldwide — is soaring, giving them even more ability to influence government decisions in their favor for lower taxes on themselves and the corporations they own; for less health, safety and environmental regulations; and for labor law and its enforcement that makes it more difficult to form unions.

Oil interests made such large contributions that President Trump is promoting fossil fuels while blocking clean-energy solar and wind projects even though virtually all climate scientists — including climate scientists employed by oil companies — agree that burning fossil fuels is causing global warming and producing more extreme weather. Their predictions over more than four decades have proved to be accurate.

Elon Musk contributed more than $250 million to candidate Trump and his fellow Republicans in the last election. This means he bought more political speech than millions of ordinary citizens combined. Now that he is the world’s first trillionaire, how much will he contribute in the next election?

The Supreme Court’s 5-4 precedent-overturning 2010 Citizens United decision — with the five justices in the majority appointed by Republican presidents — permitted unlimited contributions.

The decision gave wealthy interests a huge advantage in influencing politicians’ decisions and should be overturned.

We must replace large contributions with small donations matched by a multiple of forms of public funding if we want government to work for ordinary people.

Richard Barsanti

Western Springs