We’re Living in an Era of Impunity
Why can’t we hold the wealthy accountable?
Elon Musk is currently running around Pennsylvania, breaking the law. He has offered $100 — and an entry into a daily lottery for $1 million — to any swing state resident who signs a petition stating that they support the First and Second Amendments and registers to vote.
Elon does love to waste money, and this seems like a good way to set some of his wealth on fire. His ingenious scheme is not going to find Trump voters as much as it is going to find people who want $100. If I lived in one of these states, I’d sign up — there’s nothing wrong with helping a wealthy fool part with his money.
The problem is that Elon’s scheme is quite likely illegal. Federal law states that you can’t offer people money or “lottery chances” to register to vote. Though media outlets are cautiously labeling Musk’s scheme as “legal gray area,” it sure seems like he’s breaking the law. The Washington Post’s article on the lottery frames the giveaway as “legally problematic,” but the three legal experts it cites all say he’s breaking the law. The one dissenting voice? A “Republican appointee to the Federal Election Commission.” Hmmm.
Why is Elon so happy to court legal jeopardy? Because he is so sure that there will be no consequences for him. He can break…
