Supreme Court Removes Limits on Corporate, Labor Donations to Campaigns

Originally posted by ventian
For everyone saying that the Supreme court finally upheld the constitution well that is fine and all. How much of the Bill of Rights is actually upheld now. I am going to quote the movie Airheads as satire here but you will get my point. "Next time you think you're free, try walking into a deli and taking a piss on the counter." This ruling just destroyed our country. So how many of you think that corporations can put hypnotic messages into their ads legally now? We the people have been sold out by selectively upholding the first amendment.

I have no problem with the idea of less restriction on communication, and if they have upheld the Constitution, that is fine. The effect of what they have done is to increase the need for actual public involvement in the governing of the country.

For those of you who say "this is the end of the country," what you really mean is "this is the end of the days where I can just sit back and let some elected officials do all the work. This is the end of the days where I can enjoy the benefits of freedom without having to actually be involved, except for casting a few 'ballots' every year."

Right about now you should be getting together and formulating a plan for POLITICAL take-over, and thinking of ways to counter the corporate use of the media. They own media outlets... so should you. They have political schools... so should you. They have effective political parties... so should you. They have messages that ring to the public's ear... so should you.

If you can't convince "the people" to embrace true freedom using persuasion and compelling message, you will never convince them with the barrel of a gun. The original founding fathers were intelligent, wise, and highly articulate. Now, you must be these things as well... as many of you as possible. For the appropriate organizations and start recruiting your members/candidates. Watch the movie "MILK" and see how one man changed San Francisco forever. You may not agree with his lifestyle, but you certainly should admire his heart and his methods.

You sir and you madam can set aside your agenda and take up an agenda that will benefit your country and your future. You CAN run for an office and you CAN get elected if your message rings true with the people and you can get to tell them about it. You can't go it alone. You need to join yourselves together, and you need wise leadership that can motivate, guide, and protect.

You need to change the direction of your thinking and the people's thinking before it is impossible to do so. The flood gates have been opened to a deluge of increased corruption, so the only prudent and wise response is that you must now open your own deluge of political counter-attack.

Originally posted by VenusOnTheHalfShell
Yes indeed, though a victory for free speech, it opens up pandora's box of political abuse and potentially creates easier path for facism in government.

However, every situation is a dual edged sword. If, and that's a big if, american voters wake up and realize this potential corporate sponsorship of their preferred politicians is unhealthy and dangerous to our freedoms and the welfare of the lower and middle class, perhaps they will revolt in direct opposition to these corporate chosen ones and stick that corporate money in a corporate orifice by selecting the "other" guy, IF there is one.

YOU must be that OTHER guy! If you are not willing to do so, then why should anyone else be willing? Read my posts to see some solid suggestions for how to proceed.

reply to post by downisreallyup


Well I guess you have millions to spare to compete with mulitbillion dollar corporations and private interest.

So hey I am just a broke tax payer, good for you.

You really have not clue what this means, pity.

reply to post by marg6043


What is the worst of all is that this allows INTERNATIONAL Corporations to know flood our political system with money.

Our Nation's sovereignty is being destroyed.

How could any supporter of our country support this garbage?

I simply cannot believe it Marg.

I am extremely angry.

All hope I had for this country just went out the damn window.

[edit on 21-1-2010 by David9176]

reply to post by downisreallyup


The problem is that, now most AM and FM belongs to religious groups and everything else is been control by satellite corporations.

reply to post by David9176


Wait when China starts to buy politicians and pay for campaign adds, in Chinese.



I am just joking, I know what this means some here keep posting without having a clue, I tell you my friend our nation's government is nothing but a joke.

Originally posted by David9176
How could anyone say the court just upheld the Constitution?

THIS IS FASCISM.

READ IT. THIS IS FACISM.

The joining of Business and Government.

I just got home listening to Sean Hannity say this is a victory for Free Speech. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Corporations can now sink as much money as they want into adds and can DESTROY ANY POLITICIAN or MAKE THEM A SAINT.

Or entire political process has finally been COMPLETELY comprimised.

You thought it was corrupt before? Well it's over now. Don't bother with the elections anymore as no one will have a chance that SPEAKS AGAINST CORPORATIONS.

For instance, if I decided to run...not only would I not get any airtime...I would also be destroyed and or ignored by corporate money which is basically limitless.

THIS INCLUDES THE BANKS.

HOLY HELL PEOPLE HOW CAN U SAY THIS UPHOLDS THE CONSTITUTION.

THIS DESTROYS THE VERY ESSENCE OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Take back your country. It was just taken from you. You now have NO REPRESENTATION.

NONE

The founders of America always assumed that "the people" would be highly involved in politics. They assumed that you sir, your neighbors, your friends, would all run for office and get directly involved. Never was it intended for there to be just two political parties. Never was it intended that you could just sit back, earn money, and build your life in isolation from political life.

Originally posted by marg6043
reply to post by downisreallyup

 

Well I guess you have millions to spare to compete with mulitbillion dollar corporations and private interest.

So hey I am just a broke tax payer, good for you.

You really have not clue what this means, pity.

It's called TEAMWORK... and yes, there are people who have millions to do this, IF they are only willing. Watch the movie MILK if you haven't seen it. It will show you have common people can get into important positions. You may not be qualified to run yourself, but you can certainly give time to helping those who are. That kind of "I'm just a poor taxpayer" mentality is what is going to guarantee your countries demise. I'm sure you spent time going to the movies, or reading ATS, or watching the boob-tube. Perhaps you'd be willing to get involved with others that are also willing to do something tangible. Are you willing to study about the political process, instead of reading some novel? Are you willing to attend a political meeting instead some other recreational activity? It's all about choices, and at this point in your nation's history, what it needed is for common folks to ban together and pool their resources for a common plan of change.

It doesn't take billions to get elected... it takes a message that will win the hearts of the people. There are plenty of ways to communicate that don't take massive amounts of money, especially if people donate their time.

reply to post by downisreallyup


I gave you a star because in principle I agree with you. However the reality has an excellent chance of being very different. An indifferent American public suffering from extreme polarization, information overload and subjective reality issues sounds like the perfect population to rule over. They don't trust any fact unless it fits their worldview (you can see that in plenty on ATS), thus you use the media to reinforce the myriad worldviews. Politicans supposedly beholden to the people now find themselves unable to compete in a politcal arena without a corporate sponsor. To their supporters theses politicans say one thing, behind the scenes they are in the deathgrip of their sponor(s).

A step forward? No change at all? A step backward?

time will tell but my bet is on the money to win, not the people.

reply to post by downisreallyup


keep dreaming in America Politics are bought and sold, no regular Joe gets a chance anymore, just look at the leaders in congress and presidential seat guess who got them there, big interest.

Wake up and smell the stench of reality in the nation of big interest money.

BTW I don't go to movies, don't waste my time with your tube and to tell the truth the only place I spend time is here in ATS.

Originally posted by marg6043
reply to post by downisreallyup

 

The problem is that, now most AM and FM belongs to religious groups and everything else is been control by satellite corporations.

Radio Stations for Sale
How to Buy a Radio Station

For the price of a house, you too can own your own radio station! Get some people together into a group and make it happen. It's time to stop talking and to start acting with WISDOM. Just look at what the elite do and follow their lead. Don't get fooled by their billions. That is like a country being afraid of America's hundreds of nukes. It only takes one nuke to destroy a city, so it doesn't matter if a country has hundreds or one. The same principle applies here. If you have enough money to get some media outlets, you have enough to start making a difference. Look at Alex Jones. He is ONE guy, who started off small, and has grown. Now, what if there were 100 Alex Jones' all speaking the same message? What if they were less dramatic then he is so they didn't hurt their message because of presentation? What if they maintained complete honesty and refused to give in to the temptation to sell products? Open your mind to the possibilities.

reply to post by Canis Lupus


Wow so the lobbies didn't have enough control already. Say goodbye to the last remnants of your republic and hello to your corporate leaders.

It's really very sad that we have had years of apocalypse films where corporations were the real power and people were fearful of such a thing and yet here we are with it happening.

Originally posted by marg6043
reply to post by downisreallyup

 

keep dreaming in America Politics are bought and sold, no regular Joe gets a chance anymore, just look at the leaders in congress and presidential seat guess who got them there, big interest.

Wake up and smell the stench of reality in the nation of big interest money.

BTW I don't go to movies, don't waste my time with your tube and to tell the truth the only place I spend time is here in ATS.

You are quite filled with excuses... it's what's called a "nay-sayer." I've worked with plenty of people who have this mentality, and I have never found them to be correct. As they continue spouting their "can't do" attitude, those who know otherwise just go out and do it.

So, you have one thing you do besides work and pay taxes... sit on ATS? Well, why don't you start a thread here to gather other ATSers to form a local group near your home? Don't think that all politics is bought, because that is just a gross exaggeration. Why does Ron Paul keep getting elected? Ever wonder that? Why do his constituents keep putting him back to congress? Anyone can run for an office. What people lack is strong political vision and the ability to articulate it. That is what needs to be fostered. But, given your propensity for finding excuses, perhaps you do need to just keep doing as your doing. The country will never be changed by people with your thinking, and indeed, when it is changed, you will owe a great debt to those who did make change happen. Perhaps then, my posts are written to those who realize that the difference between success and failure is most often the mentality of those involved.


[edit on 21-1-2010 by downisreallyup]

reply to post by downisreallyup

They assumed that you sir, your neighbors, your friends, would all run for office and get directly involved. Never was it intended for there to be just two political parties. Never was it intended that you could just sit back, earn money, and build your life in isolation from political life.

The people cannot get involved because they cannot compete with corporate money. They can't get news that isn't corporate on television. Corporations dictated ALL opinions and the direction of our country. We've seen it on television with the tea party movement. Almost all networks demonized tea partiers....while Fox News turned it into a neo-con side show.

We can talk about what was INTENDED all day long from any point at any angle you wish....but that certainly does not change the situation.

I knew about this ruling but I cannot influence it as it's a supreme court decision. I had hopes that they wouldn't rule this way. I love the Constitution...but this gives unbridled power to INTERNATIONAL corporations. This gives power to China, Russia, or any other country that has sprinkled it's tentacles into our political system.

What needs to happen is that Corporations should be stripped of their rights as human beings. A Corporations is not a human being..it is an artificial creation of human beings....therefore they do not have free speech. An individual in a corporation...a LEGAL CITIZEN...Does however have free speech.

[edit on 21-1-2010 by David9176]

Let me be sure I am getting this straight.

It is a violation of freedom of speech if a Corporation, a legal entity and a Labor Union, also a legal entity, are limited as to how much money they can donate to a political candidate's campaign, but

It is not a violation of freedom of speech if a Private Individual is limited as to how much money they can donate to a political candidate's campaign.

I just wanted to make sure I understood the rules correctly.

So then it must work like this:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof by a Corporation or Labor Union ; or abridging the freedom of speech of the Corporation or Labor Union, or of the media department of the Corporation or Labor Union ; or the right of the Corporation or Labor Union peaceably to assemble, and to lobby the Government for a redress of grievances.

I am certainly glad we cleared this up, all this ambiguity was creating a lot of confusion. But I get it now.


edit..replaced "petition" with "lobby", for better understanding

[edit on 21-1-2010 by mrbarber]

[edit on 21-1-2010 by mrbarber]

Stop your complaining people. You're well within your rights and capabilities to inherit or create a multinational corporation in order to remove the spending/donation limits on political campaigns. You can't do it as an individual, but you can easily own a billion dollar corporation and do it that way. Jeez, lazy people.

A return to 1970s politics.I'm against the ruling by the High Court however.

Is this what they mean by "Money talks"?

Second Line

Originally posted by David9176
reply to post by downisreallyup

 

They assumed that you sir, your neighbors, your friends, would all run for office and get directly involved. Never was it intended for there to be just two political parties. Never was it intended that you could just sit back, earn money, and build your life in isolation from political life.

The people cannot get involved because they cannot compete with corporate money. They can't get news that isn't corporate on television. Corporations dictated ALL opinions and the direction of our country. We've seen it on television with the tea party movement. Almost all networks demonized tea partiers....while Fox News turned it into a neo-con side show.

We can talk about what was INTENDED all day long from any point at any angle you wish....but that certainly does not change the situation.

I knew about this ruling but I cannot influence it as it's a supreme court decision. I had hopes that they wouldn't rule this way. I love the Constitution...but this gives unbridled power to INTERNATIONAL corporations. This gives power to China, Russia, or any other country that has sprinkled it's tentacles into our political system.

What needs to happen is that Corporations should be stripped of their rights as human beings. A Corporations is not a human being..it is an artificial creation of human beings....therefore they do not have free speech. An individual in a corporation...a LEGAL CITIZEN...Does however have free speech.

[edit on 21-1-2010 by David9176]

The PEOPLE can compete IF they will work together. They will only work together if they are shown a plan that makes sense. Look at how many people gathered behind Ron Paul, and they indeed began to make a difference. The problem was that Ron Paul had a bad campaign director. Also, he can't be the only one who is in government. You need to get away from the "rock star" mentality and get out there. Listen, you want to tell me what isn't possible, and yet, what have you done directly to try and do anything? Your excuses are just arm-chair politics. Instead of thinking about how impossible this all is, why don't you put your brain cells to work trying to come up with workable strategies. If you say "we can't do it" then many people will nod in agreement, not because they really know it to be true, but merely because SOMEBODY is saying something. If, on the other hand, you say "we CAN do it, and HERE IS HOW" then people will listen and begin to change their ideas.

For example, let's think about how to "think out of the box." Do you know anyone capable of putting together a concert? I know people here in New Zealand, and this is just a small country of 4 million. Okay, so let's say you know somebody or can find someone. You say to the person "how would you like to help save our country?" When they say "how" you explain the following:

"First we visit some bands and make a speech to them about the dangers that face us. We get some to sign up for a "Save America" concert tour across America. We set up a website that people will be directed to go to. This website will be promoted at the concerts. The bands will play patriotic songs that talk about the people getting involved or else the country will be no more. At the website people will be encouraged to get directly involved and to give their money for specific purposes. People gave lots of money to Ron Paul, and yet what did he do with it all? In this case, the money that is given would go to purchasing low-cost radio stations, establishing low-cost schools for political education, for producing "citizen's handbooks", and building an infrastructure for change. Rallies would be organized also, whose purpose would be to get people excited about the change, and to get them to put their signature on specific ballot issues that would begin to change the local and state governments. These should be laws that limit Federal interference in the state's affairs. What you want to do is begin breaking up the political "log jam" that has formed.

The general lack of political education has convinced most Americans that you are safer with a single large state, but nothing could be further from the truth. One of the best safeguards to freedom is a union of relativity small, yet independent states. It is far harder to corrupt such a thing, as opposed to one monolithic country.

How many of you see yourselves as citizens of your state? If you live in California, do you call yourself a "Citizen of California?" Do you read your state's constitution? That is far more important for you to understand because that is really where the political power exists. The Federal government is trying to erode the power of the individual states because they know that is the only way to take America over. That is where you need to fight them. Reassert your state's autonomy. If a majority of you get elected to the state-level government you can overturn laws and agreements that cede your state's sovereignty. That is why it is imperative that you have solid political education and have leaders who are truly interested in saving the Republic. Look for them. Hunt them out. They are there among you. They aren't the guys wearing suits or working for big business. They are the common people who have been hiding away in their homes studying about all this. They are there. You just need to find them. Ask around. Talk to some small-time lawyers. Find those who love constitutional law. Perhaps the real agents for change are only 20 years old. The young people are sickened by what they see. Get them involved. Tell them they can make a difference if only they will put themselves to the task. Show them how. Help them. Fund them. Warn them to do the right thing. Warn them to not love money, for the love of money truly is the root of all evil.

Also, the corporations only have power because they get it from you, the people. You can easily organize to boycott any company that advocates destroying state sovereignty or the Republic. You can insist that companies remain in the United States and don't move to China. If they don't listen, you simply boycott them. The power is in your hands people. You just don't know how to use it because you are not interested in politics... but your apathy towards politics will be your undoing. You have created your own problem because you love what the corporations do for you, more than you love your country... or you have not realized yet that you must indeed choose between those two. Perhaps you can have both, but YOU must master the art of political control. If you do not, then others will do it for you, and they will do it for their interest, not yours.

Never before has mankind had the means to organize into extremely powerful political groups. The Internet allows vast numbers of people to unite for positive political change, and yet, pornography and useless chatting seems to be what that awesome technology is used for most. You have truly allowed your society to become a place of self-imposed slavery, where you have handed the whip and the keys to those who will feed you your meals. As long as you are unwilling to "feed yourselves" like free people, those task-masters will continue to oblige you.

Think about what you have done to yourselves. You wanted a life where you could buy food at big stores for cheaper and cheaper prices... you got it. You wanted a life where you could all own cars, nice homes... you got it. You wanted a system of fierce competition in business, without regulation... you got it. You wanted an economic system that removed political influences from monetary policy... you got it.

[edit on 21-1-2010 by downisreallyup]

Times like this I'm glad I moved my ass out of America, so my kids can grow up somewhere better.

Sad sad day.