Erik Paulsen, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Politics of Money
“This is a period for leaders. Leaders not in love with publicity, but in love with humanity. Leaders not in love with money, but in love with justice.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., November 4, 1956
“Suggested Contribution: $1,000 PAC, $500 Individual” – Erik Paulsen, January 2010
Congressman Erik Paulsen has been elected in order to represent the people of the 3rd district of Minnesota, but when he throws his reception tomorrow, he won’t be receiving anyone back at home in Minnesota. Instead, Representative Paulsen will be receiving a very different sort of “constituent” at a club at 300 First Street SE, Washington D.C.
These are the constituents of cash, lobbyists, representatives of political action committees, and other power brokers who are willing to pay money to Erik Paulsen in exchange for the chance to be admitted to his presence. When Paulsen sent out invitations to tomorrow’s reception, he openly informed the potential guests that they should come bearing gifts of money for him.
Apparently, Congressman Paulsen believes that the time has come when the United States of America needs leaders who are in love with money, rather than justice. On this Martin Luther King Day, that’s a point of view worthy of critical examination.
