This is democracy

"It's Called Democracy"
By Amanda Scott - Jun 19th, 2008 at 4:52 pm EDT
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This morning Barack announced to his supporters that he would not be taking public financing for the general election. Barack is putting his faith in ordinary citizens giving only what they can afford and will not participate in the broken public finance system that our opponents manipulate to raise as much money as possible.

In response to Barack's decision, supporters across the country are standing behind him. Here is what a few of them had to say...

Tim in Texas:

Today, for the first time in my life, I contributed to a political campaign. I did so because I have always believed that true power rests with the people, if only those people could be organized. Now, that power enables us (Obama and the people who support him) to fight back against the special interest groups and lobbyists…

It's time that people learn what their contributions can accomplish. We have the power to take back our country from the special interest groups. There are more of us and when we act together, we are the force that can dictate the direction our country will take. It's called democracy and it signals the end of our dependence on politicians and the beginning of their dependence upon us. Now, they answer, not to the lobbyists and special interest groups, but to us.

Christy in Ohio:

Actually, I've been meaning to donate to the Obama campaign for awhile. The fact that he has decided not to accept public funding is the reason I donated. I am completely behind Obama and will be contacting our local Democrat club to see how I can help get him elected this fall. I don't think Obama needs the public money - I just regret that my tax dollars are going to help finance McCain's campaign!

Matt in Oregon:

I support Barack because he represents a move away from the conservative, moneyed interests of Washington. When wealthy special interests buy votes, that dignity is diminished and justice is not served. My hope is that the entire campaign funding paradigm is changed and that in the future, all candidates will be publicly financed.