Ralph Nader and Robert Weismann Make the Case Against Corporate Speech Posted on February 16, 2010 (June 24, 2020) Democracy Amendments The Case Against Corporate Speech By Ralph Nader And Robert Weismann, the Wall Street Journal Last month, by a vote of 5 to 4, the U.S. Supreme Court gave carte blanche to the world’s largest corporations to spend unlimited sums of money to support or oppose candidates for elected office. Big Business domination of Washington and state capitals will now intensify. The case of Citizens United portends dire consequences for the nation’s constitutional premise of “we the people,” not we the corporations. Our constitution, at its origins and through all of its amendments, makes no mention of corporate entities, only human beings and their government. For 120 years, it was not Congress but the Supreme Court that expanded the definition of “persons” to include for-profit corporations for the purposes of applying constitutional protections. For 30 years, the court has granted First Amendment speech protections to corporations as “artificial persons.” READ THE REST.Read More
Legislation Expected in Alaska on Monday Posted on February 12, 2010 (June 22, 2020) Democracy Amendments On Monday, both the Alaska House and Senate will introduce legislation affirming that corporations are not people FOR THE PURPOSES OF ELECTIONS. One of the sponsors is Hollis French, a long time legislator and gubernatorial candidate in Alaska’s next election. There are several sponsors on each bill at this point. Read More
Weak State Legislation Introduced in Iowa Posted on February 12, 2010 (June 24, 2020) Democracy Amendments Here are the details.Read More
Rally in Annapolis, Maryland Posted on February 12, 2010 (June 22, 2020) Democracy Amendments Free Speech for People, Not Corporations! RALLY to Take Back Democracy! Lawyer’s Mall, Annapolis (near Church Circle) Monday, Feb. 22nd, 2010 6 – 7 PM Read More
Senators Introduce Legislation Re Foreign Corporations Posted on February 12, 2010 (June 22, 2020) Challenging Foreign Influence Here’s Al Franken’s S 2959 And Robert Menendez’ S 2954 Read More
Rep. Niki Tsongas Introduces Legislation Re Federal Contractors Posted on February 12, 2010 (June 22, 2020) Corporate Abuse of Power HR 4550 No Taxpayer Money for Corporate Campaigns Act of 2010 (Introduced in House) HR 4550 IH 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4550 To prohibit entities from using Federal funds to contribute to political campaigns or participate in lobbying activities. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Read More
Rep. Michael Capuano Introduces Legislation Requiring Shareholder Approval Posted on February 12, 2010 (June 23, 2020) Corporate Abuse of Power HR 4537 Shareholder Protection Act of 2010 (Introduced in House) HR 4537 IH 111th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 4537 To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to require the express authorization of a majority of shareholders of a public company for certain political expenditures by that company, and for other purposes. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Read More
Numerous Congress Members Introduce Legislation Re Foreign Corporations Posted on February 12, 2010 (June 23, 2020) Challenging Foreign Influence Here’s Bill Pascrell’s HR 4522 John Hall’s: HR 4517 Tom Perriello’s HR 4523 Rosa De Lauro’s HR 4540 Read More
Democratic Party / White House Introduces Package of Halfway Measures Posted on February 12, 2010 (June 22, 2020) Democracy Amendments Here’s the Wall Street Journal and DailyKos. This is the package of bills we’ve been expecting from Rep Van Hollen and Senator Schumer. UPDATE: A blog by Schumer. Read More
Public Advocate of City of New York Launches National Shareholder Effort Posted on February 10, 2010 (June 23, 2020) Defending Key Reforms The Public Advocate of the City of New York Bill de Blasio has launched this shareholder campaign against corporate election spending. Read More