Election Soap Box

Every election since 2006 has seen an increase in spending over the previous cycle. At what point does this become too much?

It’s clear that campaign finance is out of control, yet recent decisions from the US Supreme Court have resulted in even further increase in money being funneled into campaign coffers. Are we better informed as citizens going to the polls? Is it any easier to cast a vote?

There have been no material improvements in the democratic process as a result of this ever increasing spending — but what can be done to halt and reverse the trend?

I don’t find this hypothetical question to be trivial: What if this money was dedicated to directly helping the citizens of this country, particularly those in poverty?

Around the 2008 election cycle, I was much more interested and engaged in politics than I am now. I wonder how many people of my generation are just burnt out? The status quo needs to change, but the inertia of ever growing campaign finance is nearly impossible to reverse.

I’m upset because I feel helpless as a citizen. It seems to me that the only way this trend is going to be reversed is if our country’s highest court reverses their own decisions. Until then, it seems all we can do is mourn the waste of billions of dollars that could be put to much more fruitful use.

Perhaps the reason why these astronomical dollar figures are getting to me this election cycle is that I’m currently raising an angel investment for my startup, Blue Seat Media. Our plans over the next few years require a mere $1M in order for us to reach profitability and create 20+ jobs. Despite the fact that I’m angry about the financial irresponsibility in politics, I remain extremely excited about the future of our company. If you’re interested in learning more about how we plan to thoughtfully put our investment dollars to use, I invite you to check out our products at www.blueseatmedia.com. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our future plans at please get in touch: jeffrey@blueseatmedia.com.

Ok, I’m getting off my election soap box now. See you at the polls.