Step 7 addresses one of the most corrosive forces undermining our democracy: the unchecked influence of money in politics. The current system is rigged. It allows massive, often hidden donations through Super PACs, dark money groups, and other loopholes while ordinary citizens face strict contribution limits. That creates an unfair advantage for the ultra-wealthy and corporate interests.
Two clear reforms
- Eliminate Super PACs and organizational spending Super PACs and all corporate or organizational political spending must be eliminated. Corporations, unions, nonprofits, LLCs, and any other non-individual entities are prohibited from donating to or funding political advertising in any form. Only U.S. citizens as individuals may contribute to political causes.
- Full, immediate disclosure on every ad This applies to television, radio, digital platforms, social media, print, mailers, billboards, and more. It covers candidate campaigns, issue advocacy, ballot initiatives, and every other type of political ad, with no exceptions.
Every political advertisement must include a unique public identifier. That identifier links to a centralized, easily accessible public database that shows the full name and exact amount of every contribution funding that ad. Disclosure must be real-time or immediate upon the ad being run. No dark money. No delays. No hidden donors.
Individuals spending their own money on political advertising must clearly disclose it as well, with the same transparency requirements. No foreign funding of any kind is permitted. Only contributions from U.S. citizens are allowed.
Enforcement will involve coordinated oversight with checks and balances across relevant agencies, including the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and Department of Justice (DOJ). Strong penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges for willful violations, will ensure compliance.
Speech belongs to people
By implementing the Maximum Disparity system and other economic guardrails, we reduce extreme concentrations of wealth that fuel political capture. By eliminating corporate personhood influence in elections and requiring total transparency, we make it far more difficult for the ultra-wealthy to buy outcomes that protect their advantages. Democracy becomes more responsive to actual citizens rather than the highest bidders.
Critics may claim this infringes on free speech. The right to free speech belongs to people, not artificial corporate entities. True free speech thrives when voters know exactly who is funding the messages they see. Sunlight is the best disinfectant.
When combined with the previous economic reforms, this creates a virtuous cycle: fairer economics leads to fairer politics, and fairer politics supports even better economic outcomes.