The really “rigged” elections

There has been a lot of talk about “rigged” elections this year and, while we don’t buy into the conspiracy theories, giving one side unlimited resources and giving another zero resources certainly comes close to determining the outcome of an election, right?

Take the $140 million in higher education bonds on the ballot this fall in New Mexico. If you log on to UNM’s website, you’ll find a large message (screen shot below) urging you to go vote for the higher education bond.

A website solely dedicated to passage of Bond C is available to tout the benefits of passing the bond along with the requisite claims about “no tax hikes” and job creation. What is never mentioned is how taxes would go down or how many jobs might be created if people kept their own money instead of having it taxed away.

And, not that I’m complaining (because we wouldn’t take it anyway), while the “pro” side obviously has access to deep pockets from those who would benefit from the flow of your tax dollars, those who want to see taxpayers keep their money must rely on their own resources or those of donors “to the cause.” Perhaps the Legislature should put a stop to some of the most egregious abuses such as express advocacy on a taxpayer-funded website like UNM’s?