May 8, 2013
Dear members of the Securities and Exchange Commission:
Sunlight is essential for life, and for democracy. Publicly traded corporations need to be transparent about their political spending in order to maintain or restore the public's confidence in American business. There is a reason the word "corporate" is becoming an epithet, and a synonym for manipulation---requiring corporations to disclose their political spending can help dispel the suspicion and distrust that colors our perception of America's companies. As a stockholder in many major firms, I see no reason for anything less than full disclosure of political spending. If it can't stand up to public scrutiny, it shouldn't be happening.
Both shareholders and the public must be fully informed as to how much the corporation spends on politics and which candidates are being promoted or attacked. Disclosures should be posted promptly on the SEC's web site.
Thank you for considering my comment.