k wrote:
] Decius wrote:
] [ I don't know, seems like that just brings the equation back
] to money. I can't afford a great big billboard. If you can,
] and do as you indicate, then we no longer have parity of
] voice...

Thats just it. I don't care. I have an inalienable right to freedom of speech that ought to take precident here. What part of the first amendment requires parity of voice? You want equal opportunity, but you do not want equality of result, particularly when you are talking about political speech. Censorship is not the right way to address the influence of money in politics. Censorship is not the right way to address anything.

] [ .. i kind of agree, though, laws already exist to protect
] you from discrimination on those grounds, so i don't know that
] the risk for abuse has risen.

The risk for abuse has absolutely risen. The fact that laws exist hardly eliminates the possibility of abuse. I can find out who my neighbors support and I can put pressure on them. I can address them in the street. I can refuse opportunities to them. I can call them names. If I'm serious I can do all kinds of illegal things so long as I'm not caught. The arguement that "abuse is illegal so it won't happen" could be used to justify the end of the anonymous ballot and all kinds of other encroachments. Abuse happens inspite of its legality.

This information is being made public SPECIFCIALLY to enable people to put pressure on donators. Its an equal opportunity tool. It lets the rich put pressure on the poor, the poor put pressue on the rich, and neighbors put pressure on neighbors. All political campaigns need in order to strategize is breakdowns by district. The specific names and addresses only serve one purpose, and this is it.

] [ .. I love this idea. I don't know where the best place
] would be to get the money for printing, etc. such a thing,
] given how strapped most states are.

I don't think its very expensive. We're talking about a short booklet. Black and white on newsprint. Mailing costs. I want to know how expensive it is. I'd be willing to take a tax hike for it. I'll bet its so cheap that most government programs pale in comparison. I'll bet the LWV knows how much it would cost. Certainly, other states know.

RE: Georgia Voter's Guide