Thursday, January 7, 2016

California Ballot Initiative Would Force Lawmakers To List Corporate Donors On Clothing Like NASCAR

http://www.addictinginfo.org/2015/12/31/california-ballot-initiative-would-force-lawmakers-to-list-corporate-donors-on-clothing-like-nascar/
"Ever since the Supreme Court handed down the Citizen’s United decision, corporations and super wealthy individuals have had the ability to donate unlimited funds in secret to political campaigns. After winning election, political candidates are usually beholden to those who spent big money to help them take office and go on to push for legislation that benefits them instead of the country as a whole. And that is why a new California ballot initiative could be a game-changer that sweeps the country. The initiative is being led by California Is Not For Sale, a group run by San Diego businessman, John Cox. If passed by California voters, lawmakers in the state would have to display the logos of their top ten donors on their clothing “just like a NASCAR driver would for his sponsors.” Indeed, can you imagine Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker speaking live on television with the Koch Industries logo prominently displayed on his jacket? Or Ted Cruz speaking on the Senate floor with a big Goldman Sachs label or a label that says Club For Growth? Or how about House Speaker Paul Ryan banging the gavel with several logos on his suit from Koch Industries to Northwestern Mutual, to AT&T to Blue Cross Blue Shield? At long last, Americans would not have to painstakingly research who is buying politicians in our country. Their names would be clearly seen on the politicians themselves, making it easier to see who is trying to influence our laws, whether it is Walmart or Exxon, or conservative billionaire, Sheldon Adelson."