Robert Reich. Photo: Random House Speakers’ Bureau
The Guardian, /1/24/2021
A study published a few years ago by two of America’s most respected political scientists, Princeton professor Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page of Northwestern, concluded that the preferences of the average American “have only a minuscule, near-zero, statistically nonsignificant impact upon public policy”. Instead, lawmakers respond almost exclusively to the moneyed interests – those with the most lobbying prowess and deepest pockets to bankroll campaigns.
Brad Smith unwittingly agrees.
Brad Smith photo credit: Microsoft
Popular Information, 1/25/2021
In the meeting, Smith emphasized Microsoft's donations to members of Congress who attempted to throw out the election results and install Trump for a second term was only 20% of its total PAC donations over the last four years. That's a positive spin on data that shows that one out of five of the company's political dollars went to candidates willing to throw out millions of votes based on lies and conspiracy theories. At present, Microsoft has not made any commitments to stop donating to the 147 Republicans but has temporarily paused all political giving.
The most telling portion of Smith's remarks, however, was when he explained why Microsoft donated to members of Congress through its PAC. Smith says that PAC donations are "important" because the money buys access and "help" from politicians.
Related reading:
Robert Reich explains how the ultra-wealthy have rigged the system. (Berkeleyside, 4/10/2020)
Robert Reich explains how the ultra-wealthy have rigged the system. (Berkeleyside, 4/10/2020)
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