November 8, 2013
SEC Comment file 4-637
Dear Comment file 4-637,
Corporations cannot be kicked in the behind because . . . they have no
behinds. They are not people. People deserve full disclosure of
corporate political activity for the simple reason that corporate interests often seek further profit at public expense.
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 investor's money on political activity in secret.
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,
Dale Weston