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01/28/2002
Search your memory of the pre-September 11 world and you will recall the media's favorite cause: Campaign Finance Reform. Remember how members of the mainstream media lectured us on the need to remove the "stench" of current campaign finance practices? Remember that media spokesmen mysteriously seemed to favor "reform" while the rest of the nation could hardly care less? Remember the warnings of free speech advocates about groups and individuals being banned from buying advertising near the time of an election, thus placing inordinate power with the liberal media?

Enron has provided the perfect excuse for "reform" advocates resurrecting their cause. Elected officials in Washington are busy diving for cover and the skirts of campaign finance reform seem like a good place for them to hide. Now we have the perfect environment for the primary beneficiaries of "reform" to set up a clatter.

Listen to Tom Brokaw on NBC Nightly News, 01/24/2002:

"A reminder as Congress rails against Enron, many of them took campaign contributions from the company, its political action committee and/or its employees. . . And spurred on by the Enron scandal, supporters of campaign finance reform legislation in the House gathered enough signatures today to force a vote on the issue. A bill, that would among other things ban unregulated soft money contributions, passed the Senate last year, but then it did stall on the House side."

And how about NBC's Katie Couric to Chris Matthews on Friday's Today, 01/25/2002:

"But what does this portend for, for campaign finance reform? Could this be the straw that breaks the camel back that makes people say, 'Enough is enough! This has got to happen! We don't care what those folks on Capitol Hill say?'"

Dan Rather weighed in on Friday's CBS Evening News, 01/25/2002:

"In tonight's Eye on America, CBS gives you an in-depth look at the sudden revival of congressional interest in legislation that's been killed more times than Dracula: Legislation for serious campaign finance reform. In the wake of the Enron fiasco, will Congress finally put its votes where its mouth is?"

Full steams ahead on emotion; damn the facts! Ask yourself these questions:

1. Did campaign donations contribute to the fall of Enron?
2. Would campaign finance reform have prevented the collapse of Enron?
3. Will campaign finance reform stop dishonest people from doing dishonest things?

The "reform" supporters look forward to the benefit of having the loudest voice prior to elections. It's not about campaign finance; it's all about more power for the mainstream media! Click the links on the names to send them your outrage. I would also urge you to let your congressman know how you feel on this issue.

Read more here:

MRC CyberAlert, 01/25/2002
MRC CyberAlert Special, 01/26/2002