The political evolution of corporations.

[kentuck]

Since the time corporations were declared by the courts to have the same rights as people, they have been using that "right" to gain control of our political system. Their goal is now nearly complete.

They were successful at getting the courts to rule that money was free speech. It was that ruling that threw the door wide open for the corporations in this country. They could then buy access to the politicians in Washington.

It didn't matter much if they bought Democrats or Republicans. They usually put the biggest part of their contributions behind the favorites to gain power. When they thought the Democrats would win, they did not hesitate to give them huge corporate contributions. Most Democrats accepted their money with glee.

The corporations had basically gained control of our political system. The big banks, the insurance companies, big business and big money did not care about political labels like "Democrat" or "Republican". They only wanted to control the laws that might be passed to prohibit their access to great wealth and fortunes.

[safeinOhio]

1. Not what the Founding Fathers had in mind.

Thomas Jefferson wrote in his March 17, 1814 letter to Horatio Spatford that "Merchants have no country, the mere spot they stand on does not constitute so strong an attachment as that from which they draw their gains,"

[endless october]

2. when a corporation is too big to fail

or big enough to effectively lobby against the will of the people, it's past time for anti trust.

many DUers have businesses and behave responsibly, even generously to their employees and communities. however, huge, multi-national corporations with the will to buy legislation are not necessary.

either lobbying money has to be completely pulled out of politics, or "too big to exist" has to be applied to massive corporations acting against the public's interest.

[Orrex]

3. If corporations are "artificial persons," the government should draft them into military service

In addition, corporations convicted of criminal wrong-doing should be "jailed" for some appropriate period. And since you can't really lock up an on-paper entity, then the convicted corporation should come under the control of the government for the term of the sentence.

[kentuck]

5. What a brilliant idea!

Seriously.

[BeFree]

4. Well

Thank Gawd they aren't involved in elections, eh?
Imagine what they'd do if a corporation counted the votes?