Corporate domination of our elections.

As if corporate domination of our elections had not already eroded our democracy enough the Supreme Court last week, in Citizens United v. FEC, handed corporations even greater power.  In the “Alice in Wonderland” world of the Court’s majority, corporations are “persons” and are entitled to constitutional rights, the same as flesh and blood human beings, and are free to use their billions for political campaigns without limit.

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What this means in practice is more corruption and bribery at all levels of government and the marginalization of the voices of ordinary citizens.  The results?  More tax breaks and profits for Wall Street, insurance companies, oil companies, the pharmaceutical industry, military contractors, and other big businesses; and more cuts in education, healthcare and other vital social programs upon which working families depend.

We the People must put a stop to this travesty by insisting on clean publicly funded elections and other democratic reforms that give non-corporate candidates a chance to be heard.  One person one vote, not one dollar one vote! 

Ann Menasche
Green Party Candidate for California Secretary of State
Council Member, Green Party of San Diego County
ann@sdgreenparty.org­