January 18, 2012
I am deeply concerned about the influence of corporate money on our electoral process.
In particular, I am appalled that, because of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, publicly traded corporations can spend investor’s money on political activity in secret.
I am writing to urge the Securities and Exchange Commission to issue a rule requiring publicly traded corporations to publicly disclose all their political spending.
As shareholders and as citizens, we need to know whether our money is being spent for research and development, job creation, or wasted on politics with which we may or may not agree. As this information is disclosed, we may in fact wish to boycott or sell our shares for more profitable and politically correct corporations.
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.
Rod and Greta Fridlund
Eugene, OR