Quote:
Originally Posted by highwater
Strawman much? No one is suggesting excluding people who simply have money, it's how they use their money to buy undue influence, and the sense of entitlement that their money gives them, that subverts democracy. In any case, if you can't exclude groups just because they're well-financed, then you can't exclude groups just because they're vocal either, yet many well-financed, well-connected voices in this city see no irony in attempting to marginalize progressive advocacy groups. You yourself have mocked alternative transportation proponents in this forum, yet you rush to the defense of poor, misunderstood, 'well-financed' developers. You can't have it both ways.
|
I didn't say anybody should be excluded, I think all opinions should be heard whether I agree with them or not. It doesn't cost anything to voice an opinion.
As for some having undue influence because they have money that may be so, but who are you or for that matter who am I to tell them how they can spend it. It's all part of the freedom we enjoy in this democracy. If you have something that people want to hear, it will be heard no matter how much money the opposing group may have.
I am in no way defending the developers, in my opinion most of them are scumbags. I am simply defending their right to represent themselves in whatever way they see fit. If that means them giving to election campaigns then so be it. There are limits to what they can give, and when it gets right down to it they only have one vote just like the rest of us. As for the marginalization of so called progressive advocacy groups thats all a matter of opinion. One persons progressive advocate is another persons whiner and complainer. It just depends on your point of view on the issues involved.