The New York Times published an article today about an extremely exclusive meeting of the Republican donors' minds. The article was accompanied by an excerpt of a copy of a letter sent to possible donors, inviting them to this meeting to be held in at a resort in Ranchos Mirage, California. The invitation is from one of the two brother/billionaire co-owners of Koch Industries, a company that has long supported libertarian ideas.
I am afraid that my emotions about this topic are very mixed.
My first question is about the Times printing the letter, that includes the place, date and time of the meeting. Is it ethical for it to be printed, assuming that the letter was not directed towards the press and is presumed to be a secret? Perhaps there is someone who does not want the some of the wealthiest men in America supporting causes that they do not believe in, and that person wants to do harm to these men. Or is it the right of the people to know who is controlling the strings of government?
My next issue is the idea that a few wealthy members of society decide how to govern a nation. Does that make sense? Now, be sure that I am not saying these are not good, respectable people. But who is to say that they are not looking out for their own bottom line, instead of the good of the nation? I believe that the presence of knowledge, wisdom and good will, not money, should determine who makes decisions. But am I wrong? Should those who have been fortunate to have fortunes have such a large say in the government? I do not want to come across as wanting to limit free speech and the right to support the beliefs you choose, but why is there so much secrecy? Would it not be for the good of the people to have transparency?
What do you think about it all? You can read the article here and decide for yourself.
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