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We here at USDemocrazy are constantly surprised by how little actions can have big results (like leaving a whoopee cushion on the boss’s chair).
Earlier this week we highlighted a controversial Supreme Court ruling that says corporations (or anybody) can spend ALL THE MONEY THEY WANT on political campaigns. (And spend they will!)
What’s the big deal?
Conservatives are cheering because they claim this is a victory for freedom of expression.
The Left argues that spending money isn’t free speech, and that individuals have constitutional rights, not corporations.
As is the norm in politics today, this is a very polarizing issue. But there is a larger consequence.
With the Court’s ruling, foreign corporations will now be entitled to join the orgy of US political spending.
There is very little which defines the nationality of a corporation. As long as a foreign company has US subsidiaries, or is incorporated in the United States they are now eligible to donate.
In response Congressman Chris Van Hollen is drafting a bill which would close this loop hole.
We have been very clear that we think it is totally inappropriate for foreign contributions to be influencing the outcome of American elections.”
FEC regulations prohibit non-US citizens from voting in, or contributing to a domestic campaign. But those rules get a little fuzzy when it comes to multi-national corporations.
Is it right that foreign companies should get to influence our Democracy, or is free speech free speech?
The SCOTUS decision has consequences that should alarm people across the political spectrum. Want Hugo Chavez bankrolling a Senate candidate? How about China that might even to be able to afford a president.
Corporations have ALWAYS enjoyed ‘person status’ in law it is the very nature of being a body corporate just as all States and United States are. It was/is that way in England and it is in this country and will never change. So long as you cling to the State, don’t bother complaining because it doesn’t care!