Too much power given to corporations

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United vs. Federal Elections Commission is a virtual “blue light special.” Corporations gain even more influence on local and national issues and votes. The far-reaching and chilling decision went far beyond the simple question of where free speech protections under the First Amendment prevent Congress from restricting corporate political campaign contributions.

In this decision, the Court has overturned federal campaign regulations enacted in 1907, some of the few remaining constraints to prevent corporations from undue influence in our elections. It overruled Supreme Court cases from 1990 and 2003 that agreed restrictions on corporate money in politics do not violate the Constitution. It hands over the power to decide our nation's most critical issues to profit-driven corporate CEOs and their shareholders by allowing unfettered spending to purchase votes, media and silence.

In earlier decisions, the Supreme Court wrongly equated free speech with political contributions. Free speech will only be equal to political contributions when both individuals and corporations have equal amounts of each. Corporations already have compelling advantages over individuals. What will happen to “We the People” now that corporations have been given even more power over our lives?

For more information about the decision go to: www.MovetoAmend.org and www.wilpf.org and organize to keep constitutional rights for individuals, not corporations.

Judith Pedersen-Benn

Iowa Women's International League for Peace & Freedom

Cedar Rapids