My Turn to Opine on the 2022 Elections

The most significant effect on political parties this year was the $16 billion estimated to have been spent on these elections, further entrenching the ability of big business and the special interests to have their way in Congress, the state houses, judgeship elections, and local community races. If we cannot find our way—very soon—to significantly reduce or eliminate the polluting and destructive power of money in our politics, democracy’s days are numbered. The US Senate is hardly poised to lead us to significant democratic reforms. One thing it can do, though, is confirm the many nominations still pending, so as finally to fill the many slots in the Administration that have remained empty for nearly two years now. One of these long-pending, non-confirmed nominations is Gigi Sohn for a Commissioner slot on the Federal Communications Commission. There is no excuse for the shabby treatment she has received at the hands of the Senate Commerce Committee. Senate Leadership should confirm her NOW.

[Michael Copps served as a commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission from May 2001 to December 2011 and was the FCC's Acting Chairman from January to June 2009.]