Thursday, January 21, 2010

Statement of Craig McDonald director of Texans for Public Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. FEC.

“The Supreme Court has overturned a century-old policy that enjoys overwhelming public support. This ruling compels consumers and stockholders to pay for the political speech of corporations.

“This so-called ‘conservative’ court has handed corporations a constitutional right best reserved for human beings. No decision in the last 221 years has been better crafted to redefine ‘We the People.’

“This is a banner ruling for corporate special interests that dream of getting their hooks deeper into the body politic. Unleashing corporations to fill the airwaves with political ads will further dilute the role of citizens in elections.

“Congress and state legislatures should redress this dangerous ruling with a whole new wave of tougher campaign-finance laws.”

The Supreme Court opinion can be found here.
Associated Press story can be found at the New York Times.