April 30, 2014
It is my understanding that the SEC has the power to require publically traded companies to disclose contributions they make to political campaigns.
For investors, like me, to make good choices as to where we invest, we must have access to information, not only about the balance sheets of corporations, but also about any political contributions they make. Otherwise, I cannot be sure to avoid in investing in companies which are working against my interests as I see them.
Without disclosure informed decisions cannot be made.
Although the Supreme Court has ruled that corporate contributions to political campaigns cannot be limited, the Court has specifically said that the government may require disclosure of such contributions.
If the SEC has the authority to require such disclosure, it should do so out of fairness to investors.
John Howell