November 6, 2013
SEC Comment file 4-637
Dear Comment file 4-637,
I am deeply concerned about the influence of corporate money on our electoral process. Our government is under the control of the people who have virtually unlimited funds at their disposal to buy and sell politicians the same way they buy and sell any property owned by the corporation. It's sad that we have elected officials willing to bought and sold, but we do, and we need to know who they are and who owns them!!
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 investor's money on political activity in secret. This is unspeakable! The Supreme Court is aiding and abetting the destruction of a "government of the people, for the people, and by the people." I hope it is not necessary for me to tell you where that quotation can be found.
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.
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.
Thank you for considering my comment.
Sincerely,
Dwanna Munger