January 10, 2013
Securities and Exchange Comm.
Dear Securities and Exchange Comm.,
My heart sinks at how money has taken over American elections. It does not bode well for our democracy. Even though the Supreme Court has seen fit to extend First Amendment rights to corporations and frightfully wealthy American individuals, the Supreme Court did suggest that those donors should be publicly acknowledged. Certainly as an investor I am dismayed that the corporations whose stock I own may be heavily investing in positions and political pressure that I heartily oppose, all without my knowledge or consent. Is that "free speech"? Below is the letter which Common Cause has written. Perhaps they can communicate some of my consternation in a more convincing and acceptable fashion than I can. Sincerely, Hetty Hall
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.
Thank you for considering my comment.
Sincerely,
Hetty Hall