January 13, 2013
Securities and Exchange Comm.
Dear Securities and Exchange Comm.,
I’m writing to urge the commission’s prompt approval of rules requiring public disclosure of political spending by publicly-held companies. Disclosure is vital to the SEC’s responsibility to ensure that investors have the information they need to make sound decisions about when and where to put their money. Shareholders also have a right to know how companies in their investment portfolios are investing that money, particularly when the spending falls outside the company’s normal business activity.
While freedom of speech is necessary in a free democratic society, anonymous speech, particularly when it can affect the outcome of elections, has no place in modern societies. With the right to speak out on public issues, comes the responsibility to publicly stand by one's speech.
As a shareholder in many US corporations, I find it particularly objectionable that my resources might be used, without my knowledge, to espouse views and affect social policy in ways which may be contrary to my beliefs and opinions.
Thank you for considering my comment.
Sincerely,
Stephen C. Menasian