Is Our Government Up For Sale to Foreign Countries

Is Our Government Up For Sale to Foreign Countries

According to Federal law, it is illegal for a foreign entity (person, organization, or government) to donate money to a campaign or political party. This should, in theory, ensure that our political system remains free from foreign influence. However, the potential impact of possible foreign donations on political campaigns is a matter that demands our critical attention.

There exists a well-known, yet secretive, loophole that enables foreign countries to financially support a political cause without public knowledge. This loophole is nestled within our tax code for charities in the US, specifically in the 501(c). Non-profit charities that claim to serve 'social well-being' under 501(c)(4) are not obligated to disclose their donors. They can also funnel this money into their 'social cause' and donate an unrestricted amount to a candidate’s Super PAC.

If you believe that foreign interference has been limited to social media campaigns, think again. There are many documented cases where foreign nationals channeled money to US campaigns. Many experts agree that these are just the tip of a very deep iceberg.

What Can Be Done About It?

While it's true that politicians have always been seen as corrupt, it's not a hopeless situation. There are steps we can take to address this issue. What can we do about it? I would rather take a more positive view. It's crucial that we, as the public, are aware of these issues and take action to demand changes.

It is not that all politicians are corrupt; it is that the current system is corrupt, and how we elect people to represent us reinforces the corrupt system. There are many people serving in government who believe in serving the country. They want to make changes and improve the lives of all Americans. But until the people demand changes to our election laws, we will continue to have frustrated government servants who are being crushed by the system.  Until we change who we elect, either by updating our election laws in each state or if the two major parties refuse to start electing third-party candidates who are dedicated to changing those laws, we will continue to have government dysfunction and corruption within our legislature will grow.

FEC: Describes the Federal Law restricting foreign influence in American political campaigns.

US House Ways and Means Committee: Foreign Nationals Using Charity Backdoor to Influence American Elections

Voice of America (VOA): Foreign Money Flows Into US Politics

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