Political (Mis)givings?
Tom DeMaio
Do you have reservations about political giving? Maybe you find yourself thinking, “I don’t want to participate in that lobbying mess there in Washington.” After all, the last thing you want to do is write another check for a profession-related activity that may be contributing to a process in Washington you find distasteful.
Well, these were some of the thoughts I had when initially I was approached to make a contribution to my state political action committee some years ago. As a member of my state association leadership, it was essential for me to resolve my ambivalence. Swept into lobbying for psychology and for those who utilize our services, I began asking questions of my legislators. How could they not support my agenda given that it was for the good of society, it seemed like a no-brainer? The answer I received, time and again, was not that they didn’t want to support our issues, but that in order for them to continue voting for our concerns, they needed to get reelected. Their election opponents had support from managed care/insurance companies or from others wanting public resources placed elsewhere. Well meaning and right thinking politicians needed my support. Our financial support made it possible for our allied legislators to have the time to hear our message as a part of their fundraising activities. Our support gave us access, and gave them help toward reelection.
As I watched the political process, I did not conclude that I really liked the system. But I did conclude, however, that I could not walk away. I could not abandon our needs as psychologists, and more importantly, the psychological needs of the community. The stakes were too high, I had to participate in the political process and support our “friends” in the legislature. Thinking of the stakes, I was forced to come to terms with the fact that our profession is established and regulated through legislation. Whether it is about parity or healthcare reform, the decisions are made in Washington.
Darn. I quickly realized what this recognition meant: I had to write a check. And this check was coming at a time when managed care was cutting my income. But, who else would make the contribution if I did not.
So, you have to decide. Do you want to let your ambivalence take you out of the process? Do you want to leave the needs of our clients, of our societal concerns, or of ourselves to the influence of the other side? I am hoping you decide to participate, even if you are conflicted about the process. I am hoping you won’t use the rationale that your income is stretched. If we all (that means you) do our part, the burden is shared and the influence is greatly enhanced. Our allies in Congress get to be on our side and stay there. It means that you have to get out your checkbook and write a check, now. If you don’t do it now, let’s face it, you won’t do it. Write a check for at least $50 to AAP/PLAN. If you already know this is essential to the profession and the community, write a check for $100 or $200. It will make a real difference, you will have resolved your ambivalence, and done your part.
Originally printed in the AAP “Advance” and reprinted with kind permission.
