January 18, 2012
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.
Better yet, limit contributions to state elections be restricted to donors within the state who are real people. No personhoods need apply. Yes, expose the flagrant use of money by corporations and their CEO's to buy elections. It is your job to see that the elections are by the people and for the people. Keep the moneymanipulators out of our democratic government.
Thank you for considering my comment.
Gertrude Coad
Roseville, MN