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	Vol.7, No 71, February 9, 2000
	Contributions mean buying politicians Anyone who still really believes that politicians are working for the people should take a look at Gov. Gray Davis' 1999 campaign finance statement. The Los Angeles Times reported that Davis received a record $13.2 million in contributions last year, much of it from groups with bills pending in the state Assembly. In a nonelection year, there is definitely reason to question whether this kind of political buyoff is an ethical practice. Even in an election year, there is little justification for a system that allows the buying of power. When Davis signed bills into legislation last year, can we honestly believe that he had our best interest in mind as he scratched his name along the dotted line? Maybe if we were donors contributing to Davis' $1.1 million a month in fund raising we could believe that. But not many of us were. Essentially, the people of California are having their interests put aside for the sake of those who can simply buy the legislative results they want. Of course, the people who get hurt the most are those at the lower echelon of society. The governor's largest campaign contributor during the gubernatorial race was the California prison guards' union, a group of people who benefit the most from the big business of for-profit prisons and police repression. While prison guards brutalize prisoners and violate most of their basic human rights, Davis looks the other way, as does the entire system he leads. Need a light-rail station to serve your business? Fork over $75,000 to Davis and he will have the taxpayers foot the bill. Want to get away with abusing the elderly? Contribute $20,000 to the Davis war chest and he will veto legislation that penalizes negligent and delinquent nursing homes. With Davis taking no stance on any issues (except those most profitable to his campaign funding) he is willing to whore himself to anyone who will pitch in a dime. This is called being a moderate in our democracy. Traditional donors to Republican power holders are even shelling out large amounts to buy the governor's favors. Atlantic Richfield Co. (Arco) contributed $96,500 last year and now Davis is making statements in support of BP Amoco's pending merger with Arco. The merger is a bold-faced attempt to create a monopoly, according to a suit filed by the Federal Trade Commission. Many West Coast refineries depend on crude oil from BP, which has already started manipulating prices, the Times reported. Where is the outcry from the Democratic Party, to which Davis belongs? Oh, that's right, they have all been bought off too. Isn't democracy wonderful?		Valentine artist a mystery   Sandler to visit campus   CSULB drops land plan   Teacher education goals being met, CSU report says Contributions mean buying politicians Ballad Session offers romantic songs in time for upcoming holiday   Lox's 2nd CD decent attempt for hip-hop group   Imports offer great music in spite of high price Women's team adds players Spring 2000 ISSUES DAILY 49ER HOMEPAGE
Forty-Niner Publications, Department of Journalism, California State University, Long Beach © 2000 All rights reserved.