In the USA Today it is reporting "Business Giants Helping Obama". President Obama has decided for his second inauguration that he will solicit corporate underwriting. I don't know what past presidents have done, but I do know that for his first inauguration he refused corporate dollars. Why the change?
The four corporations that were reported to be sponsors are: Microsoft, AT&T, Centene Corp, and Genetech. Microsoft just received a $617 million software contract with the Pentagon. AT&T has been awarded a $4.6 million contract. Centene Corp. manages health insurance programs in many states, including Medicaid. Genentech is a drugmaking company.
"There are laws that bar federal contractors from spending money to influence presidential and congressional elections, but few limits are placed on post-election fundraising to pay for swearing-in festivities, on Jan. 20 and Jan 21." stated USA Today.
I don't know about you, but I think that these donations seem a little like payback or graft. I am not saying that they are...just that it doesn't look or feel right.
Maybe it is time that our countries elected officials stop throwing such elaborate, extravagant, and actually pretty elitist parties. Yes, we should celebrate the election of our president. Any individual who would like to contribute a small amount should be allowed to, but lets stop corporate sponsorship!
What do you think?
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