One Progressive Makes a Difference

One letter writer makes a difference.
In the Oregon legislature, which is winding down the session, the House takes up a bill that easily passed the Senate. The Senate voted en masse to pass SB 270 - which would set a maximum fine of $5,000 per month for failure to disclose campaign donations. Whatever the value.

Existing law sets a penalty at 10% once the violation is found.

For those anonymous rich donors like the Koch brothers, the Government of China, or even the 457 organization masking the Government of Palau masking the Republican party of Canada masking your next door neighbor who is a rabid gun toting terrorist. Or anyone.

If you believe in the sunshine - campaign contributions should be public so we-the-voters can all see who's influencing and benefiting from campaign donations.. then the punishment should fit the crime.

Along comes Dan Meek, political activist in Oregon, a Progressive Party member. Who wrote a letter to the House delegation alerting them of the dangers of the new maximum limit in SB 270.

And the House awoke collectively to its responsibility. To its visibility. While the Senate slept the House was vigilant. Thanks to Dan for writing one letter. One letter can make a difference.