John,

In their relentless quest for supremacy, corporate behemoths have threatened the very fabric of America's real economy. From Silicon Valley giants who amass vast amounts of personal data, to uncontested mergers that result in skyrocketing prices for consumers, the unchecked power of corporations not only stifles innovation but also undermines the promise of a fair market.

Let's not be naive about the implications of runaway corporate consolidation. When companies like Ticketmaster and Live Nation merge, the absence of competition gives them unbridled power to dictate ticket prices. Similarly, when supermarket chains consolidate, we witness price hikes and diminished choices. And Big Tech uses its pervasive influence to touch every facet of our lives.

Now, new merger guidelines by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) will stand as a shield against the looming shadow of corporate monopolies.

The Biden administration's proactive approach, informed by the sentiments of healthcare workers, musicians, and entrepreneurs alike, ensures a holistic representation of interests. It's a bid to recalibrate the scales, making the market a level playing field for small businesses and consumers.

Sign and send a message in support of the FTC and DOJ’s new guidelines to enforce antitrust law and stop runaway corporate consolidation.

Let's consider just a few of the thirteen proposed consumer protections. They address a range of issues, from vertical mergers that could potentially foreclose competition, to acquisitions involving partial ownership. These are the pillars that will give consumers the benefit of diverse choices and fair pricing in the marketplace.

These guidelines aren't mere policy changes; they're a manifesto for market democracy. They testify to the belief that taking on corporate greed and profit-hungry CEOs will strengthen America.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland highlighted the perils of uncurbed corporate dominance and the urgent need for the federal judiciary to incorporate these guidelines in merger decisions saying: “These updated Merger Guidelines respond to modern market realities and will enable the Justice Department to transparently and effectively protect the American people from the damage that anticompetitive mergers cause.”

We can't afford to let these words fall on deaf ears and have mergers and acquisitions that harm consumers, workers, and small businesses by giving disproportionate power to a singular corporate entity. For every small business owner who dreams of breaking barriers, for every consumer who wishes for affordable choices, and for every innovator hoping to disrupt the status quo, these guidelines offer hope.

We must rally behind the FTC and DOJ's initiative, voice our support, and ensure that America allows the freedom of fair competition. Only then can we truly secure the future of our economy and prevent it from being held captive by corporate greed. Send your message now.

The fate of these guidelines isn’t in the hands of policymakers or the judiciary. It lies with the American people, so let’s keep working to make sure consumers aren't held hostage by corporate monopolies.

- Amanda

Amanda Ford, Director
Democracy for America
Advocacy Fund