Sunday, August 12, 2007

Why I wrote “Coining Corruption: The Making of the American Campaign Finance System?”

    I began writing Coining Corruption: The Making of the American Campaign Finance System in graduate school at the University of Virginia. Always concerned about American politics and the system, I came to the conclusion that money played an important, even instrumental role in getting the political message to voters. Money in politics is necessary for open deliberation, to enthuse voters, to win support for political views and positions. Yet, watching the congressional debates over BCRA, I came to the conclusion that neither the proponents nor opponents of campaign finance reform had a clear understanding of what kind of corruption they intended to attack. My book explores the history of the campaign finance system, and particularly how legislators, courts, parties and political activists defined, "coined" so to speak, the nature of political corruption from the beginnings of the modern system in 1876 to the present day.

    I intend to use this blog to engage readers, critics, reform proponents and opponents, and others interested in the conclusions that I have drawn from my research and writing. Democratic deliberation and debate, to be effective, demands that we engage different ideas on the open field of battle, that we share our views, and patiently listen and learn from others with whom we may differ. So, with the publication of Coining Corruption, let the debate, disagreement, and discussion begin. I can't wait.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Prof. H.,

I'm surprised that 4 days after IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich was taken from his home in handcuffs that nobody has commented to your web site.
I find that the info on your book is very compelling & it certainly, for IL citizens could be available at a better time. Unless, it came out last year during Gov. Ryan's trial, although i don't doubt he might have been one reason you began to write your book.
Best (sales) Wishes & Merry Christmas, Walt McElligott, Beecher, IL
Ass't Ed, Chicago Writers Ass'n "Write City" Blog
www.chicagowrites.org
wmcauth07@yahoo.com [please use]

tookit2thelimit said...

Does anyone know you are a homosexual who preys on young guys and dates your students?