April 30, 2012
Dear members of the Securities and Exchange Commission:
Democracy as a philosophy, never mind a working political system, is subverted and undermined when secrecy is permitted. In the current environment, secrecy is almost encouraged. The non-disclosure provision is the modern version of the not-so-ancient smoke-filled, back-room deals. Why is it OK now when we -- as a nation -- decided decades ago that back-room deals were anathema to democracy? Please don't let this continue. It is simply WRONG.
Please issue a ruling requiring disclosure. It's a small step in the right direction. Be courageous; there are millions of us out here who support this action. Stand up to the corporations and their lobbyists and the greed they represent that is hampering the continued progress of our country.
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.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Charbonneau