Driving Votes: Oliver's Blog - Archived Entry

I've contributed about $1,000 to John Kerry and the DNC. But I have no idea what they've done with my money. Yes they do generally explain that they're using the money to counter the President's campaign. But no specifics are provided. This makes me, and I worry others, less motivated to contribute more.

I understand that they're spending a lot to run TV ads in swing states, ads that I won't see living in Washington. But still, I think it's crucial that these orgs close the loop with their donors and tell them how their money is helping the cause.

For example, when you "adopt" a child thru orgs like Save The Children they send you updates about the child you sponsored (name, age, where they live, how the money is being spent on clothing, education, food, etc) and even letters from the kids. Similarly, contributors to Amnesty International are sent periodic updates that contain excerpts from emotional Thank You letters from political prisoners and their families, and lists of people who are currently detained and what Amnesty Int'l is doing about it. Closing the loop in this way makes the donor feel good about their contribution and often encourages people to give even more.

Wouldn't it be powerful if the US Government closed the loop with citizens in this way and explained how our tax dollars are distributed? I believe that many of those that complain about paying taxes are disenchanted because they have no concrete information on how tax revenue is applied.

Imagine an IRS tax brochure that resembles an investor's prospectus. It would have photos of retierees on social security empowered with a decent minimum standard of living after 35 yrs working on the production line. Seniors getting perscription drugs and pregnant mothers getting pre-natal care thanks to health care provision. Tens of millions of Kids, high schoolers and college kids learning in public educational institutions. Beautiful national parks. Newly repaved roads, renovated public housing, etc, etc. This might make people proud to pay their taxes, instead of blindly voting for any candidate who advocates cutting taxes because they don't trust where their money goes.