On January 21, 2010, the U.S. Supreme court took another step in the long - and many say misguided - journey to granting corporations personhood under the U.S. Constitution. In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, a five-member majority of the court increased the ability of corporations to use their wealth to influence our electoral process. Recent polling shows that more than 75 percent of Americans think the ruling further weakens our democratic institutions and the power of people to govern themselves.
This week, Dave talks with David Cobb, the 2004 national Green Party presidential candidate about how communities are organizing to roll back corporate personhood and strengthen the democratic process. Cobb currently works with Move to Amend, a project of the Campaign to Legalize Democracy, that is working for passage of a constitutional amendment that will achieve those goals. Organizations involved in this national campaign include the Green Party, Sierra Club, Jobs with Justice, Alliance for Democracy and the Progressive Democrats of America.
Cobb and activist Riki Ott will be featured speakers at "Organizing the Community to Overturn the Court," an event taking place Monday, March 1 from 7-9 pm at the First Unitarian Church (SW 12th and Salmon). It is sponsored by Alliance for Democracy, Pacific Green Party, Economic Justice Action Group of the First Unitarian Church, Real Wealth of Portland, and the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
The conversation doesn't end when the program does. You can join in additional discussion of the week's issue on our blog at kboo.fm/voicesfromtheedge (click on the "blog" tab). You'll find additional information, important links, comments from other listeners and commentary from Jo Ann and Dave. Have a question for our guests, but can't call in during the program? Post your questions on line so we can make them a part of the Voices discussion.
Corporate personhood and the campaign to legalize democracy.
- KBOO