Cashtags: Innovative or Guerrilla?

On Tuesday, September 15, 2015, NPR published an article titled #Cashtag: Twitter To Allow Direct Campaign Contributions. The article is about Twitter creating a direct drop for constituents' funds into a campaign through the use of its social media power. I think this article is worth reading because it indicates many potentially important changes to our nation. Firstly, this shows that politics are moving with the times. Not only are all candidates campaigning through social media, now they can take your money and information with a simple tap. Through embedding themselves in what's "trending" politicians are making themselves relevant to anyone who has an online presence, and let's be honest, that is a far reaching arm. Given social media's anonymity, which allows people that might otherwise not express their political leanings, it provides a platform for a more guerrilla style of campaigning. In addition to rallies and traveling, candidates will now have donations that can come from the every-man. The article mentions that most of Senator Sanders' donations have been under $200.00. Its possible this will allow more individuals to participate directly in the political system. It may change candidates being funded by interested groups and corporations to literally being supported and accountable to the people. The last possible change this Twitter creation indicates is the end of our current monetary system. Since the U.S. left the gold standard, our currency's value is based completely on faith. We, as a nation, continue to encourage electronic money in debit and credit cards. In an increasingly paperless world, where I feel bad I never have cash for panhandlers and I believe anyone who does carry paper money is a drug dealer, it makes complete sense that the politicians are collecting their money digitally as well. This article while not saying much suggests huge implications for our nation.   

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Hello Government!! K. Seago