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ellisonz

(27,737 posts)
Fri Feb 24, 2012, 02:38 AM Feb 2012

Corporate Money Unplugged

Written by: Linsey P on Feb 23, 2012 11:56 AM EST

There is no question that a wealth gap that has not been seen since before the Great Depression currently exists in our country. Reid Cramer explains it nicely in Mother Jones “recent estimates indicate that while the top 1 percent earn 21 percent of the nation’s income, they possess 36 percent of the total wealth. This is especially troubling because while income dictates how well you’re doing today, it is access to wealth (the stock or resources) that creates opportunities down the line." In the end it seems as though the joke just might be on us – those of us who still believe we can achieve the American Dream.

For months local communities have stood up against the Citizens United decision trying to block its effect at whatever local level they can. For example, last week the U.S Supreme Court blocked Montana’s Supreme Court’s decision in December that upheld the state’s ban on corporate spending. The U.S. Supreme Court blocked the decision out of Montana by a five member majority claiming, “corporations independent spending in elections does not corrupt – or even appear to corrupt – the political process.” This block opens the door for more challenges to Citizens United, which could cause another major uprising across the country - one where citizens directly challenge corporate influence in politics.

Democracy for America is laying the groundwork for a grassroots surge to overturn Citizens United. So far, we collected over 100,000 signatures that support a resolution for a constitutional amendment from Sen. Bernie Sanders that would overturn Citizens United and create the clear distinction that corporations are not people.

All over the country, DFA members are fired up. In over 26 states, members activated their personal networks asking their friends and family to come and meet with their senators and ask them to support Senators Sanders because the corporate influence in Americans politics must end.

More: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/blog_posts/37847-corporate-money-unplugged
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