What the heck happened. Corporations have a full right to speak their opinion. But not while using money to overshadow the public. by Modern Socialist
(liberal)
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
If voting changed anything, they'd make it illegal. ~Emma Goldman
When Goldman originally said this she definitely wasn't referring to Citizens United then. But now she's completely correct. Corporations can spend as much money as they want on political campaigns. They're worthy of the same rights as all of us. They're just like you and me. The reason I'm talking about corporations as people is because by law they are. There was a 5 to 4 decision that corporations are people. Take this scenario; lets say a little before Citizens United came along you were talking about lack of rights in certain countries to blacks and women. Then you say "Corporations should also have the same constitutional rights as everyone else." They'd think you're crazy.
So what exactly is Citizens United? Citizens United is stating that corporations can spend as much money as they want on a political campaign. Basically meaning money gives a reason for the corporations to voice their opinion where they want and when they want. Citizens United allowed the creation of P.A.C.s. Political Action Comities. These PACs can accept unlimited donation and use it for unlimited marketing on a political idea or campaign. These PACs are not allowed to communicate with an affiliated organization. The PACs, do know what a candidate supports. Thus, being able to create ads for the candidate and donate to the candidate directly.
Citizens United deprives the influence of real people on political issues. Over-advertising and corporate controlled media is slowly drowning out the voices of what the people want. All you hear is adverts. You go by what's most convincing. You don't hear the candidates opinions. You hear the PACs interpretation of the candidates and rival candidates opinions. This is why the advertising put Gingrich down in the polls and then when his PACs collected more money his standing rose again. The PACs take a lot of money from corporations which skews the candidates interest from the people to the corporations.
Citizens United was bad enough in 2010. It's skewing the presidential election in 2012.I don't see much support for it. Maybe justices might of over thought Citizens United and then realized they made a mistake. They obviously would not admit it though. Most Americans are against this. There is not a certain party or group that is for it or against it. The support is scattered. Many attempts to amend Citizens United were made. There's one here. And a video by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Now I want you to try an experiment. Try to lead into a conversation with someone who would never dream of coming on a website like Nolan Chart (or would never hear about Citizens United), about making money or trying to get a better job or to make more money (something everyone can sympathize with). Then slowly go from their state or a familly members position then slowly go into the huge corporations. This will start to make that person to think I wish I could own that company. Say something like "These giant corporations are just like us." You'll see them slightly intriuged. Then bring them to reality and confusion by saying "Corporations are just like us, they deserve the same constitutional rights." See their reaction then change the subject back to making money at the state you're in. Try this expirement and you will see how irrational the premise of Citizens United is.
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