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John,
Corporations are not people.
Yet, 12 years ago today, in its shameful Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision, the Supreme Court decided otherwise. They ruled that money equals free speech and determined corporations have the exact same First Amendment rights as real people.
It’s ridiculous — not to mention dangerous.
For over a decade now, this decision has been wreaking havoc on our democracy. Huge corporations and the super-wealthy have been able to buy undue access to members of Congress, effectively dictating legislative outcomes that benefit them at the expense of everyone else.
When special interests can pay for influence, our government doesn’t serve the people — it serves the powerful few.
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Let’s be honest, big money is one of the main reasons why Democrats couldn't get even a watered-down version of the Build Back Better Act passed, despite holding the White House, House, and Senate.
It is also why after January 6, corporations like Boeing, General Motors, and Chevron quickly went back to donating directly to insurrectionist Republicans despite claiming they would never do so again.
If the last 12 years have shown us anything, it’s that corporate money in politics is incompatible with democracy.
The good news is that there is overwhelming support to overturn Citizens United, and crucial proposals to get big money out of politics are gaining momentum like never before.
We can’t give up now. We have to keep fighting.
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When it comes to winning elections and passing legislation, having the biggest bank account should not matter.
Working together, we will overturn Citizens United and restore power to the people.
Thank you for taking action today,
Robert Reich
Former Secretary of Labor
Co-Founder, Inequality Media Civic Action
