Teddy Roosevelt on Corporate Campaign$

Theodore Roosevelt proposing elimination of corporate political campaign funding with the Tilman Act of 1907. Theodore Roosevelt said:
 

 

“Let individuals contribute as they desire: but let us prohibit in effective fashion all corporations from making contributions for any political purpose, directly or indirectly” — Theodore Roosevelt

In this quote, Theodore Roosevelt is advocating for restrictions on political donations by corporations. The best interpretation is that Roosevelt felt corporations, as entities separate from individuals, should not be able to indirectly influence elections and policymaking through financial contributions.

He wanted donations from corporations to be “prohibited in effective fashion” for any political aims. Roosevelt believed individuals should be free to donate as they choose, but that corporations should have limits on using money to sway the political process, possibly because of concerns about undue corporate influence over government.

The overall message is that Roosevelt saw a need to separate corporate money from politics through effective donation restrictions and prohibitions.

Birthday: October 27, 1858 – Death: January 6, 1919

Elizabeth Warren: Tender Fannies of Billionaires

Elizabeth Warren Money Quotation saying political favors protect oil companies and wealthy donors while ignoring struggling families. Elizabeth Warren said:
 

 

“Americans … have been burned enough times on tax deals that carefully protect the tender fannies of billionaires and big oil and other big political donors, while working families just get hammered” — Elizabeth Warren

In this quote, Elizabeth Warren is criticizing tax laws that are skewed to benefit large corporations and wealthy political donors over average working families. She argues that past tax deals have excessively protected the interests of billionaires, big oil companies, and other major political contributors through loopholes and exemptions, while regular families end up shouldering more of the tax burden.

Warren suggests that after so many tax codes that favor powerful donors over citizens, most Americans no longer trust tax reform that does not have their best interests in mind. Her message is that the government should write tax laws to help working people rather than excessively catering to large donors and companies.

Marilynne Robinson: Cheap Political Intellect

Marilynne Robinson Money Quotation saying few value political discussion enough to take it seriously – it’s become cheap for all but politicians. Marilynne Robinson said:
 

 

“It seems sometimes as if political discourse is the cheapest intellectual environment” — Marilynne Robinson

In this quote, author Marilynne Robinson appears to be criticizing the level of intellectual rigor and depth often found in political discourse and debate. She suggests that the environment of political discussions sometimes seems like “the cheapest intellectual environment”, implying it is shallow, superficial, and lacks real substance.

Robinson seems to believe political dialogue frequently avoids complex ideas and rigorous analysis in favor of simplistic arguments and rhetoric. The quote conveys Robinson’s view that genuine intellectual exploration and examination of nuanced issues is often lacking in political spheres in comparison to other fields of thought and academia.

She appears to be arguing the intellectual standards and serious engagement with ideas can be much higher in other domains than what is commonly found in political realms.

Harry Reid: Political Dark Money

Senator Harry Reid speaking during a senate judiciary hearing in June 2014 on billionaires control of political system. Harry Reid said:
 

 

“I’m here because the flood of dark money into our nation’s political system poses the greatest threat to our democracy that I have witnessed during my tenure in public service” — Harry Reid

In this quote, Harry Reid is expressing grave concern about the influence of large amounts of undisclosed “dark money” entering the political system. By describing it as “the greatest threat to our democracy” that he’s seen over his career in public service, Reid seems to be arguing that unlimited, anonymous donations have come to exert too much power and sway over the political process.

The best interpretation is that Reid believes transparent political funding is essential for a functioning representative democracy, and that a flood of untraceable money distorts outcomes and undermines democratic values, making it the most serious challenge facing the system according to his view and experience.

Birthday: December 2, 1939 – December 28, 2021

Steve Sack, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

Richard J. Codey on Unread Apolitical Advocation

Richard J. Codey Money Quotation saying the uninformed need and advocate to protect them from corrupt politicians. Richard J. Codey said:
 

 

“I want to be an advocate for the people who don’t have time to read the newspaper… or the money to make a political contribution” — Richard J. Codey

In this quote, Richard J. Codey seems to be expressing his intention to advocate for and represent the interests of people who may not have the means or resources to engage directly in the political process themselves. He refers specifically to those who don’t have the time to keep up with current events by reading newspapers, or the money to financially support political campaigns or causes through donations.

Codey appears to want to be a voice for citizens who are unable to follow politics closely or influence it through financial contributions due to constraints in their lives. His goal seems to be leveling the playing field and ensuring the needs and concerns of less privileged communities are still heard and addressed within the political system.

John Rawls on Campaign Finance

John Rawls Money Quotation saying campaign finance is all-consuming for and makes perpetual candidates out of sitting politicians who accomplish nothing. John Rawls said:
 

 

“In constant pursuit of money to finance campaigns, the political system is simply unable to function” — John Rawls

In this quote, John Rawls is criticizing the influence of money in politics and how it undermines the proper functioning of the political system. He argues that politicians are so preoccupied with constantly raising large sums of money to fund their campaigns that they are unable to do their jobs effectively.

The need to court wealthy donors and special interests for financial support, in Rawls’ view, distracts politicians from addressing important issues and representing the interests of ordinary citizens.

The quote suggests that when fundraising dominates politicians’ time and energy, it prevents the political process and government from working as intended.

Edward Ryan on Corporate Political Power

Edward Ryan Money Quotation saying as Wisconson Supreme Court Chief Justice that American business is aiming directly for political control via lobbyists and campaign contributions. Edward Ryan said:
 

 

“Enterprises … aggregating vast corporate combinations of unexampled capital, boldly marching, not for economic conquests only but for political power” — Edward Ryan

In this quote, Edward Ryan is describing large corporations that amass enormous wealth (“vast corporate combinations of unexampled capital”). He notes they pursue profit aggressively by “boldly marching” to expand their business interests. However, Ryan observes their quest for dominance goes beyond just “economic conquests” – he asserts these corporations also seek greater “political power”.

The quote suggests Ryan believed corporations were increasingly trying to influence government and policymaking in a way that extended beyond their economic role. He appears to see this pursuit of political influence as a threat to democracy.

Overall, Ryan is voicing concern about the growing ambition of big businesses to exert control over both economic and political spheres of society.

Christopher Weyant, The Hill

Albert Einstein: Politics of Poverty

Albert Einstein Money Quotation saying a populace that cannot afford food or basic necessities cannot be led effectively or inspired by political high ideals when hungry. Albert Einstein said:
 

 

“An empty stomach is not a good political advisor” — Albert Einstein

In this quote, Einstein seems to be commenting on how hunger or basic physical needs can cloud one’s political or social judgment. He appears to mean that when one is preoccupied with emptying their stomach (satisfying hunger), they will not give careful, reasoned consideration to political matters.

Einstein is likely implying that an empty stomach, representing a state of deprivation and preoccupation with fundamental sustenance, prevents clear-headed analysis of political issues. In essence, he means that being overly focused on alleviating immediate needs leaves one ill-equipped to consider politics in an impartial, well-informed manner.

The quote suggests physical deprivation hampers one’s ability to act or think politically in a prudent way.

Birthday: March 14, 1879 – Death: April 18, 1955