Citizens Lobby Clear Channel Radio

Our democracy has changed dramatically after the Supreme Court’s Citizen United decision last year that opened the floodgates for unlimited corporate contributions to influence our elections. There has been massive undisclosed spending for the 2010, and now 2012 elections. But we can put a stake in the ground and fight it in Los Angeles, on Tuesday, December 6 when the LA City Council meets to possibly vote on two major democracy reforms. (If you can come out to the meeting -- it starts at 10:00am -- please let us know.)

First, Los Angeles has the opportunity to become the first major city to go on record calling for a constitutional amendment to abolish corporate personhood. They can vote to pass a resolution that asks for this amendment and firmly establish that money is not speech, and that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights. This has been done in Missoula, MT and Boulder, CO just this past season. Let’s make them do the same thing in Los Angeles!

Second, Los Angeles can vote to endorse AB 1148, the California DISCLOSE Act – a bill in the California legislature asking for the largest donors to be clearly and prominently disclosed on all campaign ads. Imagine how big of an impact that would have on ballot measure campaigns in California!

Bottom line: Money is not free speech and if you’re spending, it should be disclosed. Tell your LA City Councilmembers that they should support both reforms!