March 29, 2014
SEC
I am deeply concerned about the influence of corporate money on our electoral process.
In particular, I am appalled that, because of the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, publicly traded corporations can spend investors' money in secret. The nation is tired of "secrets". Most of us know that the party with the most money will be calling the shots. I, and millions of other Americans, have had enough of this blatant chicanery.
I am writing to urge the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue a rule requiring publicly traded corporations to publicly disclose all their political spending. America is going through some very tough times and I, again with other American's, want complete transparency having to do with corporate spending.
Both shareholders and the public must be fully informed as to how much the corporation spends on politics and which candidates are being promoted or attacked. Disclosures should be posted promptly on the SEC's web site.
I do strong urge you to take immediate action. Elections are just ahead of us and we are already seeing monies being "given" to candidates whose interests are not being reflected for the good of the people who previously elected them.
Here in Colorado, one of the most blatant ads has to do with Cory Gardner shamelessly attacking Mark Udall for all the wrong reasons.
Gardner is in league with big oil, big ag, and big business and is anti-woman choice to boot. Udall is a straight shooter and has Colorado's welfare at heart but he doesn't have the backing of those supporting Gardner. For that, I am thankful but I fear that big money may allow Gardner to win the election against Udall.
This is just one example of what is politically going on across the nation. You have the opportunity to make disclosure of monies spent and for whom they are spent. Our nation is looking to you for honesty and complete transparency.
Thank you for considering my comment.
Sincerely,
Alexandra Sale