Disappeared News

by Larry Geller

Richard L. Hasen, professor at the U.C. Irvine School of Law, has written an insightful article on the negative effects of SuperPACs.

I think everyone recognizes that SuperPACs, unnatural creatures brought to life by the Supreme Court’s Citizen United decision, have changed the landscape of election campaigns, and not for good. Through these shadowy organizations flow unlimited corporate contributions intended to sway voters toward the interests of their corporate sponsors.

But Prof. Hasen posits an effect beyond the elections. While the article is worth reading in its entirety, and I recommend it, the author’s conclusion is summed up neatly in his final paragraph. So this is a spoiler, but here it is:

…I am greatly concerned that when Election Day is over and the public will stop hearing about Super PACs, contributions to these groups will skew public policy away from the public interest and toward the interest of the new fat cats of campaign finance, as members of the House and Senate thank their friends and look over their shoulder at potential new enemies.

[CNN, The biggest danger of Super PACs, 1/9/2011]

Bottom line—previously politicians were beholden to corporations, bankers and industry groups for their re-election. Now we can add to these the potentially more influential SuperPACs. When these heavyweights start roaming the halls of Congress, doors will swing open enthusiastically.

Which raises the question of course… what about us, citizens and voters?

Fight Citizens United while you can. Join and support one of the several groups working to amend the US Constitution. Corporations are not people. They are monsters.

Permalink posted by Larry @ 1/09/2012 07:41:00 AM