The older I get, the more I am convinced of the truth of Paul’s lament to Timothy:  “…the love of money is the root of all evil.”  (1 Timothy 6:10)

World and state headlines today provide vivid examples of Paul’s grief:

·         Utah attorney general solicits political donations from the very people we expect him to monitor!   How many “wheelers and dealers” offered substantial favors to the past and present attorney generals which were accepted? 

·         The nation’s Supreme Court rules so influence-peddlers with bulging pocket books can spread their wealth without limitation or oversight!   Can the public good possibly benefit from a system where some donors make huge, anonymous political contributions in this mischief created by the “Citizens United” decision?

·         Public records in Utah reveal politicians do little to seek financial support from their neighbors and much more to rake in the dollars from sycophant donors with self-serving purposes!    Why don’t some of our legislators ask many neighbors for small donations, instead of simply accumulating large bank rolls from lobbyists?                                                        

·         Legislative bills to control the free flow of money to politicians can’t even get out of the committee for debate!  In Utah why does a non-partisan, governor-appointed commission recommend campaign finance limits and respected legislators of both parties file bills to accomplish those limits, but the issues can’t even get out of the rules committee?

·         Some national politicians appear to vote to appease donors instead of voting for principle.  I wonder how much money the children of Sandy Hook Elementary spent trying to influence a vote on reasonable gun control?

Too often, leaders are more intent on securing their next campaign dollar than in fighting for noble reform.

We, the public, must speak up, insisting this malignant reign of money be stopped!  If it continues unabated not only do the abusers deserve fault,  but we who watch passively must share blame.

Paul continues, explaining that the lovers of money are “pierced...through with many sorrows.”   I add:  because of obsession with the almighty dollar, the public too is full of sorrow.  Our sorrow must promote action!

Sincerely,

Kim R. Burningham