The United States of Corporate America: Why Special Interests Should Play No Role in Democracy Jim Cook 4 th period 5/17/2010 Introduction Question: Are Corporations entitled to free speech? Question: If so, then should they be allowed to become politically involved to promote their agenda? Problem: Special Interests are utilized to promote agendas that are not always beneficial to Americans. Plus, their voice can trump that of any single citizen. Special interests corrupt and harm the governments ability to act for the people, and therefore, must end. How Special Interests Work Lobbying in order to achieve agenda. Lobbyists typically reward politicians with fundraisers and campaign contributions. Lobbying is not always practiced ethically. The Growth of Lobbying In past 15 yrs., number of lobbyists have doubled to 26,013. Lobbying industry=$2.1 billion Lobbying dominated by healthcare, finance, technology The Effectiveness of Lobbying Corporations gain government contracts through lobbying, and encourage government to engage in wasteful projects. 282% increase in earmarked spending between 1994 and 2005. Lobbying and Corruption Lobbyist Jack Abramoff bribed Congressmen and overcharged clients. Sentenced to prison. Rep. Randy Cunningham convicted of selling defense earmarks. Revolving Door-Former Politicians and government employees going to work for lobbyists. Example: Rep. Bill Tauzin retiring to work for PhRMa. How ineffective ethics legislation proves lobbying should end Honest Leadership and Open Government Act passed in Ineffective and includes loopholes. Sen. Tom Coburn: What they did was wash the outside of the cup, but the inside of the cup is still filthy Campaign Finance Lobbyists have created an exploding multibillion- dollar campaign industry that wasnt even there in the 1970s. Between the 1997/98 and 2001/02 campaign cycles spending rose 73%. In 2001/02 $1 billion raised by DNC and RNC. Obama took $1.5 million from the banking industry in To bypass ethics laws, corporations contribute through tax-exempt 527 groups The Future of Campaign Finance Supreme Court voted 5-4 for plaintiff in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Decision overturns ALL limits on corporate spending in campaigns. How to Stop Special Interests Institute Public financing of elections. Institute ban on corporate spending in elections through constitutional amendment. In future, Supreme Court may reverse Citizens United. Stop lobbying industry What You Can Do All corporate campaign spending does is put forth media to you. Act independently, research who you vote for and participate in the government. Such action makes special interests worthless!