The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. F.E.C. (January 2010) to allow unlimited spending by corporate entities to influence election results. In this ruling, the court treats corporations as if they are people with the right of free speech, including “political” speech (such as TV ads and mailers).
So long as great wealth — mostly corporate — is allowed to dominate our airwaves, campaigns and lobbying, we are not likely to achieve self-government through the democracy promised at our nation’s founding, including one-person, one-vote, and government “of, by, and for the people.”
Our struggle to achieve fair elections through public financing of campaigns is nearly impossible so long as corporate power and great wealth can hijack our democracy.
The only durable reform to reclaim the voice of citizens is an amendment to the U.S. Constitution, to firmly establish in the Constitution that only natural persons — not corporate entities — are “persons” with the right of free speech; and that political spending by corporations may be restricted by law.
To achieve this fundamental reform in our federal constitution, we must embark on a sustained campaign to bring awareness to our friends, co-workers and communities. Let’s show how every issue we care about is in jeopardy because lawmaking, budget priorities, and democracy itself are all skewed by special interest — and yet, we are not powerless if we educate and organize!
Read Why Amend the Constitution
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A one-page handout, summarizing these points.Also read/download
How to reclaim democracy for PEOPLE—What to know; What to doDemocracy for People – Organizing Plan 2011
Gather signatures on Citizens’ Petition: Overturn Citizens United
Visit Free Speech For People and Move To Amend.org:
Two emerging national networks
Additional links to recommended videos, articles and information, below.
Organizations for a 28th Amendment
Videos
Video with Congresswoman Donna Edwards - Why a proposed constitutional amendment
FSFP home page - with video by Jamie Raskin, Constitutional law expert at American University, and Maryland state senator
Interview by Amy Goodman (Democracy Now) -
with Jeff Clements and John Bonifaz
Articles and Links
Proposed constitutional amendment - by Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD)
granting authority to limit political speech by corporationsOverturn Citizens United – for Fair Elections, Fair Economy
(PDF, Op-Ed article, December 2010, by Craig Salins)Nationwide Voter Survey - PDF by Hart Research, January 2011
showing overwhelming support to end corporate personhood through a constitutional amendmentThom Hartmann: Wal-Mart Is Not a Person - From his book, “Rebooting the American Dream” – reprinted on Truthout
Corporate Personhood - definition and history – Wikipedia article
Proposed resolutions – supporting a Constitutional amendment
Generic Resolution by Free Speech For People
Resolution: Constitutional rights for people, not corporations
More website links from “Free Speech For People”
FSFP home page - with video by Jamie Raskin, Constitutional law expert at American University, and Maryland state senator
Letter to Congress, October, 2010 – by former Attorneys General and law school leaders (article about the letter, and links to PDF of letter at bottom of page)
Language of H.J.Res.74
Rep. Edwards’ proposed amendment, February 2, 2010Proposed Amendment XXVIII - by Free Speech For People
2011 State Resolutions in Support of Amending the Constitution