WAnet

Date(s): Fri, Feb 5th, 2010 thru Wed, May 5th, 2010

Now is the time to fight back against one of the worst Supreme Court rulings in generations: allowing corporations and unions unfettered, limitless access to media spending in direct support of political candidates.

This ALERT contains three sections. The first two are specific to Washington State, but I urge everyone to look at them for ideas in their own state. The third section is for everyone.

(1) Washington State ONLY
THIS REQUIRES ACTION TODAY, OR IT WILL BE TOO LATE! Longtime progressive activist Chad Lupkes successfully urged Washington State Senator Jacobsen of Seattle to introduce a Senate Joint Memorial asking for the U.S. Congress to submit to the states a Federal Constitutional Amendment limiting the political activities of Corporations. See Chad's DailyKos entry on this here. Chad provides everything you need to TAKE ACTION!

(2) Washington State ONLY
Another way to fight the Supreme Court decision is to implement Voter-Owned Elections (aka Public Campaign Financing) everywhere. In Washington State, there are extremely-time-critical actions to take to establish Voter-Owned Elections for Washington State Supreme Court races. Go here to take action now!

Donna Edwards Video (3) For EVERYONE
It's official! There is now a bill before Congress to amend the Constitution permitting Congress and the States to regulate the expenditure of funds by corporations engaging in political speech. House Joint Resolution, H.J.RES.74 submitted by progressive Congresswoman Donna Edwards (Thank you Rep. Edwards!)

Call your Representative TODAY and ask them to co-sponsor this effort to defend representative democracy.
(202) 224-3121 or Toll Free 1-877-762-8762

H.J.RES.74
Title: Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States permitting Congress and the States to regulate the expenditure of funds by corporations engaging in political speech.
Sponsor: Rep Edwards, Donna F. [MD-4] (introduced 2/2/2010)
Cosponsors: (1 - Conyers)
Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

JOINT RESOLUTION
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States permitting Congress and the States to regulate the expenditure of funds by corporations engaging in political speech.

Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled (two-thirds of each House concurring therein), That the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three-fourths of the several States within seven years after the date of its submission for ratification:

Article--

Section 1. The sovereign right of the people to govern being essential to a free democracy, Congress and the States may regulate the expenditure of funds for political speech by any corporation, limited liability company, or other corporate entity.

Section 2. Nothing contained in this Article shall be construed to abridge the freedom of the press.

Other ways to Get Involved:

* Sign the FreeSpeechforPeople.org petition - AND - Sign the MoveToAmend.org motion
* Forward this email to at least 10 or more of your friends urging that they join us and sign the petition.
* Organize a local amendment committee.
* Donate to support this campaign.
* Follow Free Speech for People on Twitter and Facebook to receive the latest news on the campaign.
* CLICK HERE to find out other ways to get involved.

Tags: Election Integrity Government Accountability Legislation/Legal