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Common good Quote by Jeffrey D. Sachs

“Is there a way forward, when campaign financing and mega-lobbying have displaced the common good and have led Americans to despair about the functioning of the political system? Since incumbent politicians won’t vote for campaign reform on their own, are we doomed to a vicious circle of big money…” quote by Jeffrey D. Sachs
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““Is there a way forward, when campaign financing and mega-lobbying have displaced the common good and have led Americans to despair about the functioning of the political system? Since incumbent politicians won’t vote for campaign reform on their own, are we doomed to a vicious circle of big money, big corruption, failing public services, and a collapse of democratic rule?””

Jeffrey D. Sachs

About This Quote

Source Speech: “The Future of Democracy”, 2022

The quote questions whether big money and lobbying have corrupted democracy, creating a cycle of corruption and failing services, and whether reform is possible.

In simple terms: Money and lobbying threaten democratic health.

Key Takeaway

Seek systemic reforms to limit money’s influence.

Themes

democracy corruption campaign finance public trust political reform

Mood

concerned urgent

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • voting
  • activism
  • policy advocacy
  • community organizing

Key Concepts

political science economics ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can citizens break the cycle?
  • What alternative funding models exist?
A Different Perspective

Reform faces entrenched interests and inertia.

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