The following is a letter I'm sending to the Columbus Dispatch, and possibly more publications. It has to do with the latest ruling from the SCOTUS and their giving corporations a lot more influence in our election process. With populism being the rage these days I feel it's important for Americans to know what this ruling's implications are as far as international influence in our democracy. So that was the focus of the letter.
With the leadership of Chief Justice John Roberts the Supreme Court of the United States has made a ruling that should get the attention of every citizen that loves this country. With their decision in Citizen United vs Federal Election Commission they now allow corporations, trade associations, and labour unions to use unlimited amounts of money to advocate for political candidates or particular legislation. This overturns years of precedent that should garner the attention, and action of every politically minded citizen of this country, no matter what ideology one may subscribe to.
What this means is that corporations and trade associations, and unions can now use unlimited funds to influence our democracy. They can flood the airwaves with commercials, they can hold events, make movies, anything they can afford, they can do in support of specific legislation or specific candidates. What concerns me most as an American is that so many of the big businesses in this country are international. This means that there will be an expanded international influence in American Democracy. Think about who owns our debt right now, think about who supports terrorism, think about who we’re at war with. Those countries, through their international businesses can now give unlimited money and have an unlimited influence on our elections. Their voices just got as loud as they can afford to make them. This is the internationalizing our Democracy and we need to take notice because I’m sure the business minds in China, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and everywhere in between are.
On a local note, it would be very interesting to see where the Senate candidates, Jennifer Brunner, Rob Portman, and Lee Fisher stand on this issue. As well as Governor Strickland and his opponent John Kasich. That will be very telling as to if they’ll fight for the American people or for international businesses.
I won't send this until I've heard a few comments to make sure I didn't miss anything or someone comes up with a good idea to include something. The things I think are most important are: 1. make sure Justice Roberts gets named in this ruling. He is associated with Bush and certainly a known republican. 2. Make this an international issue as I feel it will resonate with the most people. 3. Bring it back to local politics. In my case, I'm from Ohio and we have Bush's job outsourcer, Rob Portman, running for Senate, it'd be great to get him on record in support of this ruling.
Last from me is my support of Jennifer Brunner in this race as she is most progressive and most inspiring candidate in the race. If you agree, please give money or time.
Lastly, lastly, Last week I stumbled into a spat on here with a few people whom I'm sure share my goals. That was last week, let's move on and keep working for this country!