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Does this amendment to remove corporate bribery from government stand a chance?

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout: Debate & Discussion' started by jocar, Sep 15, 2012.

?

How far will it go in Congress?

  1. No way! Congressmen afraid to lose corporate sponsorships.

    75.0%
  2. Doubtful it even passes both houses for a vote.

    25.0%
  3. Yes way! Congressmen afraid to lose constituent votes.

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  1. jocar

    jocar Member

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    In short.. after the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United ruling, corporations have been given the same speech rights as people. Speech rights=political spending. Super PACs allow for unlimited, anonymous spending- an unfair $$$ advantage that ordinary citizens can't match. Votes mean nothing if the people we elect put corporate donors' interests above their constituents' interests, or their own conscience. The playing field is far from level. The highest bid gets the vote. Washington has become an ebay for assholes.
    http://getmoneyout.com/about/
    http://unitedrepublic.org/amendments-guide/

    There are over a dozen versions being worked on, here are 2.

    From former Washington Lobbyist, Jimmy Williams, here is a DRAFT for public debate this fall:

    “No person, corporation or business entity of any type, domestic or foreign, shall be allowed to contribute money, directly or indirectly, to any candidate for Federal office or to contribute money on behalf of or opposed to any type of campaign for Federal office. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, campaign contributions to candidates for Federal office shall not constitute speech of any kind as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution or any amendment to the U. S. Constitution. Congress shall set forth a federal holiday for the purposes of voting for candidates for Federal office.”

    Lawrence Lessig’s draft

    “No non-citizen shall contribute money, directly or indirectly, to any candidate for Federal office. United States citizens shall be free to contribute no more than the equivalent of $100 to any federal candidate during any election cycle. Notwithstanding the limits construed to be part of the First Amendment, Congress shall have the power to limit, but not ban, independent political expenditures, so long as such limits are content and viewpoint neutral. Congress shall set forth a federal holiday for the purposes of voting for candidates for Federal office.”

    Over 250,000 people have signed. 80% of America believes it's time.
    Two ways to pass an amendment:
    1.Two-thirds majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives, and then ratify by three-quarters of the 50 states.
    2.Two-thirds of the state legislatures officially vote to hold a Constitutional convention, where representatives propose amendment. Then three-quarters of the 50 states must ratify. (never been done)

    Your thoughts?
     
  2. jocar

    jocar Member

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    I forgot to mention the Disclose Act (donor transparency) that was shot down b/c of partisan BS at the detriment of the people, and the amendment to reverse Citizen's United (hopefully doesn't suffer the same fate) still gathering support.
     

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