Home
/
RELIGION & LIBERTY ONLINE
/
The Goo-Goo Chorus of Silence
The Goo-Goo Chorus of Silence
Jan 15, 2026 8:30 AM

George Soros just donated another $6 million to Democratic Party presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s Super Political Action Committee, raising the total the billionaire has contributed thus far to her 2016 campaign to $7 million. Liberals and progressives who can be counted on to hyperventilate every time the Koch brothers drop a dollar into a Salvation Army drum haven’t made a peep. They’ve also been remarkably silent on other donations to Clinton’s Priorities USA SuperPac, including $5 million from Haim Saban and his wife Cheryl; $2.3 million from Laurie Woods; and $2.5 million from Donald Sussman.

And I shall join the liberals and progressives in their chorus of silence, because, unlike them, your writer prefers intellectual consistency. So, you go, George Soros! And, likewise, Mr. and Ms. Saban, Ms. Woods and Mr. Sussman. Last, but not least, let’s hear it for the Koch brothers! Because each and every one of the above-listed donors are exercising their First Amendment free-speech rights, which were girded by the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision.

However, liberals and progressives don’t see it that way when donations don’t go their way. For example the left-leaning investors affiliated with religious shareholder activists As You Sow seemingly can’t abide corporate donations in the political game when it’s their respective ox that’s gored, namely anyone who disagrees with their views on climate change, social issues, genetically modified organisms and, you guessed it, Citizens United.

Here’s an example from an AYS proxy resolution submitted to DuPont:

“Using corporate funds to influence any political election” for purposes of this proposal, includes any direct or indirect contribution using corporate funds that is intended to influence the e of an election or referendum. This includes independent expenditures, munications, and issue advocacy that can reasonably be interpreted as in support or opposition of a specific candidate or ballot measure. The policy should include measures, to the greatest extent practical, to prevent trade associations or non-profit corporations from channeling pany’s contributions or membership dues to influence the e of any election or referendum….

“Corporate money in politics is a controversial subject. Since the high-profile U.S. Supreme Court Case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, corporate contributions to election campaigns have skyrocketed. Experts have estimated that a record-breaking $6.3 billion was spent in the 2012 electoral cycle, an increase of nearly 15% from 2008. These developments are deeply unpopular among the U.S. public across party lines, and consequently panies to considerable risks associated with attempts to influence controversial election es.

Before AYS can lift themselves from their self-imposed rhetorical fainting couch, they might want to read last weekend’s Wall Street Journal wherein Bradley Smith, chairman of the Center for Competitive Politics, sets the record straight on campaign financing:

Hillary Clinton has tons of cash, but she can’t shake off Bernie Sanders. Donald Trump keeps threatening to spend his own money, but he hasn’t had to use much of it. He’s leading the Republican field, feasting on free media coverage, while spending a fraction of what his rivals, and super PACs promoting them, have spent. If his rivals hadn’t been able raise large sums the GOP race would probably be over—Mr. Trump’s celebrity, name recognition and charisma would already have carried the day.

Apparently oblivious to the failure of “big money” to dictate the race, the goo-goos—the good-government crowd—have cranked up the same theme they use every election year. “We must,” they say, “have campaign finance reform.” We must “get money out of politics.” The Supreme Court must reverse its 2010 decision in Citizens United and allow “reasonable” regulation of campaign finance.

I might add that AYS and its partners in the anti-Citizens United crusade never mention limits on celebrity endorsements for candidates. Certainly having Bruce Springsteen in his camp presented some lift to President Obama in elections past, I would imagine. There must be somebody out there who can put a dollar value on the Boss making personal appearances on Obama’s behalf. Not that I care – I really don’t – but then I’m consistent that way. The goo-goos at AYS? Not so much.

Comments
Welcome to mreligion comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments
RELIGION & LIBERTY ONLINE
Verse of the Day
  Commentary on Today's Verse   Commentary on Acts 1:6-11   (Read Acts 1:6-11)   They were earnest in asking about that which their Master never had directed or encouraged them to seek. Our Lord knew that his ascension and the teaching of the Holy Spirit would soon end these expectations, and therefore only gave them a rebuke; but it is a caution to...
Verse of the Day
  John 1:12-13 In-Context   10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.   11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.   12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become...
Verse of the Day
  Isaiah 41:10 In-Context   8 But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend,   9 I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you.   10 So do not fear, for I am...
Verse of the Day
  Commentary on Today's Verse   Commentary on John 6:28-35   (Read John 6:28-35)   Constant exercise of faith in Christ, is the most important and difficult part of the obedience required from us, as sinners seeking salvation. When by his grace we are enabled to live a life of faith in the Son of God, holy tempers follow, and acceptable services may be...
US and EU sanctions affecting West Michigan
US and EU sanctions affecting West Michigan community
Insert article title here
description
Verse of the Day
  Philippians 2:14-16 In-Context   12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,   13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.   14 Do everything without grumbling or...
Verse of the Day
  Commentary on Today's Verse   Commentary on Philippians 4:10-19   (Read Philippians 4:10-19)   It is a good work to succour and help a good minister in trouble. The nature of true Christian sympathy, is not only to feel concern for our friends in their troubles, but to do what we can to help them. The apostle was often in bonds, imprisonments, and...
Example Article Title
description
Verse of the Day
  Isaiah 52:7 In-Context   5 And now what do I have here? declares the Lord. For my people have been taken away for nothing, and those who rule them mock,Dead Sea Scrolls and Vulgate; Masoretic Text wail declares the Lord. And all day long my name is constantly blasphemed.   6 Therefore my people will know my name; therefore in that...
Related Classification
Copyright 2023-2026 - www.mreligion.com All Rights Reserved