Subject: File No. 4-637
From: Mark Schonbeck

February 1, 2013

Dear Members of the Securities and Exchange Commission:

Secret political spending by corporations distorts our nation's democracy and threatens to turn it into a plutocracy with devastating consequences for the environment and climate, natural resources, and ordinary Americans.
 
I am writing to urge the SEC to follow through and issue a strong rule that would require publicly traded corporations to disclose all their spending on political activities in a venue that is readily accessible to public scrutiny.

As an owner of some mutual fund savings, I want to be able to track what political donations the corporations in which I have invested are making.  Shareholders and the general public have a right to know what causes and candidates are being supported or opposed by what companies.  

The time for hidden corporate spending is over.  Please pas a strong and effective rule at the earliest possible time.

Thank you for considering my comment.

 

Sincerely,

Mark Schonbeck