Sanders writes: "I don't need money from people like Martin Shkreli and the billionaire class. Saying to Wall Street and the drug companies and the rest of the billionaire class, 'please, do the right thing' while taking their money to fund your campaign is both naive and ultimately ineffective."
Bernie Sanders. (photo: Marius Bugge/The Nation)
Why I'm Rejecting Martin Shkreli's Money
19 October 15
Wall Street hedge fund manager named Martin Shkreli decided that he could make a lot of money off a life-saving drug for AIDS patients and other sick people by jacking the price from $13.50 per tablet to $750. Sick people be damned.
I started a congressional investigation into his price gouging. Shkreli promised to reduce the price, though he hasn't done so yet.
But Martin Shkreli was angry. He didn't like that I criticized him, so he tried to get a private meeting with me. And he thought the best way to do that was by donating $2,700 to our campaign.
That may be how other campaigns work. Not ours. We are taking Martin Shkreli's $2,700 donation and are giving it straight to an AIDS clinic in Washington, DC.
Now I’m turning to you again. As someone who has contributed to our campaign, you’re one of our most dedicated supporters. I don’t need money from people like Martin Shkreli and the billionaire class. I need you again.
The economic and political systems of this country are stacked against ordinary Americans. The rich get richer and use their wealth to buy elections and legislation.
Saying to Wall Street and the drug companies and the rest of the billionaire class, "please, do the right thing" while taking their money to fund your campaign is both naive and ultimately ineffective.
If we’re serious about creating jobs and health care for all, and addressing climate change and the needs of our children and the elderly, we must be serious about campaign finance reform.
So far we've funded our campaign with more than 1.3 million contributions of about $30 a piece. Small contributions of whatever regular folks can afford will win the fight against corporate greed and beat the influence of oligarchs like Martin Shkreli. Your contribution has made that possible.
When people come together, anything is possible. And together, we can take our country back from the billionaire class.
In solidarity,
Bernie Sanders
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