White House for Sale
Your cover stories on the emergence of megadonors in politics [Aug. 13] were appropriately depressing. But I question your assumption that this is what the future will look like. Consider a political campaign whose only function is to spend, spend, spend. Then reflect that the winning candidate will inevitably frustrate his or her supporters. What will the mega-donors do then? Try to undo their mistake by throwing twice as much money at the next candidate? Even the most hot-headed billionaires will tire of that game.
Charles R. Carr, ARLINGTON, MASS.
How many jobs could have been created by the billions of dollars the rich have instead spent--and will spend--on all the political campaigns at the federal level? My guess is that the unemployment rate would have dropped significantly.
William Kested, GENESEO, ILL.
Why do we still bother with campaigns that are outrageously expensive and definitely not informative as far as the intentions of candidates are concerned? It is becoming clear that the country is run by large corporations and special interests who buy our political candidates. The people have no influence.
Helga Weber, COARSEGOLD, CALIF.
Jerusalem Divided
Re "The Ultra-Holy City" [Aug. 13]: I take issue with the characterization of Avraham Stern as the Stern Gang's "fascist founder," which puts him in the same category as those who committed the Holocaust. He fought for the establishment of Israel in his own way, which may not be acceptable to everyone but certainly does not justify labeling him a fascist.
Felix Fischler, BOYNTON BEACH, FLA.
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