Alright, I'd like a show of hands of how many of you are aware of the Supreme Court's ruling on January 21, 2010? Hello? Beuller? Beuller?
This was not what I was going to write about today but this is such a monumental change in law that I had to say something. In fact you should all be saying something. This got little or no coverage from the major media. I did find a links on CNN (sort of buried) and FOX (pretty prominent). But the rest of the media was pretty quiet.
The case in question revolves around a film, "Hillary: The Movie", by conservative group Citizens United, which criticized then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during the 2008 Democratic presidential primary campaign. The group planned to air ads to support distribution of their film through Cable TV pay to view distribution. However the FCC said the film was a campaign ad, since they were an incorporated entity which took donations from corporation’s, as well as individuals. This is the gist of the ruling.
On a five to four decision, the Court has overturned decades old limitations on corporate political expenditures. They ruled corporations are entitled to the same protections offered under the First Amendment as American citizens are, since the corporation is an "individual". WTF!!
Now a simple, legal definition of a corporation is "a legal business structure that establishes the business as being a separate entity from the owner(s). This means that the assets, income, debts, and liabilities of the business belong to corporation, not to the owner(s). Corporations can have their own bank accounts, take out loans in their own name, and have legal rights and privileges separate from their owner(s)." Ambrose Bierce, the 19th century American editor, satirist, journalist and short story writer defined it this way; "Corporation: An ingenious device for obtaining profit without individual responsibility." Basically they have all the benefits and none of the short comings we poor mortals have.
So some of you may be saying, "Great! Another victory for the First Amendment. Hear, Hear." and there was much rejoicing. Actually, people are saying that. From Theodore Olson, the lawyer who successfully argued the case for the conservative Citizens United and said of his victory, "The Supreme Court's decision today is a victory for the First Amendment and the right of all Americans to participate in the political process," to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who called the ruling a "monumental decision" that restores First Amendment rights to those who want to "express themselves about political candidates."
Are these guys stone cold, fuck nuts? We have had, what little power the people have, given to corporations. Not just American corporations but international ones as well. They can spend as much money as they want to make sure any legislation or politician, who is not "in tune" with their corporate ideals and shareholder profits, won't pass or get elected. We don't matter anymore. Forget giving that ten dollar donation to the candidate of your choice, because they have billions to crush your candidate and elect theirs!
This is a very far reaching decision. It goes all the way down to the local level. Possibly, we are looking at the end of our Republic and at the rise of corporate run government. I don't know if we can truly call this the beginning of Fascist "Amerika", as fascism is usually an ultra-national, authoritarian government with a corporatist economic system. We are looking at global corporations redefining what our country is about.
I know many of you are saying “it's been this way for years“. Dwight Eisenhower, the 34th President of the United States, warned us of the dangers of the "military-industrial complex". Yeah, maybe corporations sort of manipulated the system but at least it wasn‘t so overt. We can even go so far as to discuss the Bilderberg Group's plans for world domination, We all could have a little fling with conspiracy theory and see which corporation will sponsor which senator and which representative . Nancy Pelosi brought to you by Botox. Mitch McConnell sponsored by Australian Gold Tanning Lotion.
Congress is already attempting to craft legislation that can curtail this act of lunacy on the part of the Supreme Court majority. By the way, if you want to know who on the court to blame, they are; Chief Justice John Roberts, Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Anthony Kennedy. Pandora’s box has been opened and I don’t think it can be closed.
Please feel free to let me know your thoughts, feelings or ideas.
Here are some links if you care to learn more:
Post Blog update:Oh some late breaking news that might get a chuckle
And
Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) is circulating an online petition opposing the decision, which is expected to undo limits on corporate spending in federal campaigns.
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