Sunday, November 20, 2011

"Personhood" Amendment

Not to provide "personhood" to clumps of cells, but to remove "personhood" from corporate entities.
Though several amendments aimed at overturning Citizens United have been introduced in recent weeks, Rep. Deutch’s OCCUPIED Amendment is the only proposal that:

  • Makes clear that free speech and other constitutionally protected rights are those of natural persons and not corporations or entities formed to promote their business interests.

  • Reaffirms that corporations are formed under the laws of Congress and the States and are thus subject to laws enacted to protect the environment, ensure public health, and other safeguards for the people.

  • Overturns Citizens United by ending corporations’ ability to spend unlimited amounts of their general treasury funds in elections.

  • Sets the stage for real campaign finance reform by reasserting the authority of Congress to regulate all election contributions and expenditures, including those of individuals and groups funneling money anonymously to influence elections.
  • Sad that a Constitutional Amendment would be required for this.

    4 comments:

    Glennis said...

    I'll believe corporations are people when they can be convicted of a crime, jailed and executed.

    M. Bouffant said...

    "I, The Jury" Editor:

    Don't tempt us!

    Substance McGravitas said...

    Constitutional amendments happen alla time. This should sail right through.

    M. Bouffant said...

    Political Entropy Editor:

    Yeah, we figure everything will be squared away before the first primary.