The Supreme Court has removed the ban on corporations engaging in political electioneering because the corps, as persons, have the right to free speech. Really?
Now perhaps you're like me and find the idea of Citibank being a person rather ludicrous. What kind of crazy talk is that?
Lawyer talk as it turns out. It began in 1886 with the Supreme Court (You can find the historical details at: www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/ct-oped-0127-page-20100126,0,5726772.column.) and they continue to mystify the rest of us with this strange concept. I mean, Citibank is a thing, it has more assets and funds than I do and it's not one of my fellow citizens.
Should I be worried about this? Damn right I should. Who already hires the most lobbyists in Washington? The corporations. Who has a long history of corrupting public officials (Remember TR's battle with the corps--he lost--and the Tea Pot Dome Scandal of the twenties? Bribery, appropriation of national resources and the debasement of democracy and fair play.)? Yes, the corps. Are these guys to be trusted? Hell, no.
Are they interested in improving American life or their bottom line? What are their priorities--the good of the country or their profitability. I don't need to answer those questions. You already know the answers.
It's time to legislate reality into the books and establish that a corporation as something other than a person. Then it will be time to control corporate activities so they have a less negative impact on how we conduct the business of government in this country.
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