January 12, 2013
As a shareholder, I am committed to a level democratic playing field. I was disgusted to see that companies I invested in were using my money to support personal political preferences.
If there is a shareholder value reason for these choices, I am happy for this to be brought up and voted on at the general meeting. However to me it seems it is the ultimate misuse of shareholder money.
My shares have generally increased in value more under a Clinton democratic presidency to fall severely under Bush republican one.
Yet companies I have invested in without my consent have spent millions supporting Republican cause on the basis that they personally rather us the shareholders will be better off under this party.
Surely this is a misuse of company funds for personal means?
I am writing to urge the Securities and Exchange Commission t issue a rule requiring publicly traded corporations to publicly disclose all their political spending – and to do so this year.
Thank you for considering my comment.
Pauline Bleach
austin, TX