Fundrace----> political paranoia & hypocrasy on DU? [View All]

I've been reading the "Fundrace" thread (about this site that lists campaign contributions, who contributed, and where they live) on and off tonight, and I really am amazied at the level of paranoia, naivete, and perhaps hypocrasy exhibited there.

First off, my name appears on that site as a Kucinich contributor for the Dayton, Ohio, area.

The thing is is that i was aware, when I was contributing, that per the campaign finance laws, this contribution would have to be reported. I would expect others who are making substantial contributions to their candidate of choice, and who have been following politics, are aware of the campaign finance reforms that require disclosure. So I think the outcry over this illustrates a bit of political naivite, or perhaps a lack of political sophistication, on the part of some posters.

I had no problem whatsover about this level of financial disclosure. I understand the entire purpose of these laws is to make the flow of money into poliitics somewhat transparent, Sites like Fundrace (there other other sites, too) make this transparency easily accessible to the public.

I would expect that people at a site like DU would support this transparency too, as it illustrates bundling of funds, and who or what community of donors (interest groups, industrys, etc) are supporting what candidate (with the assumption that money buys access or influence). So I think its a bit hypocritical for progressives to bemoan transparency when its there donations that are being transparent, too.

As for the question of reprisal, I think thats a bit paranoid. I work in a very conservative environment, yet am a valued employee. I could imagine some raised eyebrows if it ever came out that I was financially supporting Kucinich, but so what? Its a free country and I liked that candidate.

In any case, it is suprsing to see the reactions to this level of transparency. Personally I think its a good thing, and makes me a more informed citizen.