Citizens United: The Legalization of Corruption

The United States, perhaps more than any other nation, defines itself as a protector of democracy and self-determination. The idea of America as an “arsenal for democracy” is central to both our cultural identity and our foreign policy. Despite our self-esteem as a nation, democracy in America has been under threat for decades and is now in danger of collapse. The growth of inequality in the United States has been gradually eroding the foundation of our democracy, the middle class. But in recent years, the problem has become a crisis. As corporate wealth skyrocketed, American politics moved into the era of “small government” led by Ronald Reagan. The result was an alarming growth in corporate political power, which became undeniable after the passing of “Citizens United”. Corporations are now allowed to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns while remaining completely anonymous. If left unchecked, this trend will ultimately lead to a fascist-like state that is explicitly controlled by corporations.

In addition to being unjust in principle, corporate control over politics leads to destructive policies. When corporate lobbyists outnumber government-funded environmentalists lobbyists ten to one, the government cannot make unbiased decisions on environmental issues. Similarly, the government is unable to make sound decision about its long-term financial future when Wall Street lobbyists can provide massive returns on investments with laws that benefit financial corporations in the short term. Corporations, by definition, make decisions in the interest of profits. To allow corporations to control government policies is to allow the extraction of the real wealth of America from its citizens.

To avoid the total collapse of our democracy, America needs campaign financing reform. At the very least, corporate contributions to political campaigns should be transparent. But to give the public interest a fighting chance, what we really need is a strong system of public campaign financing. If all candidates had access to equal amounts of government funds for their campaign, elections would be decided by the best ideas and not the deepest pockets. Conservatives are sure to make a big deal about how this would waste taxpayer money, but it would be a worthwhile investment to ensure the long-term prosperity of our nation. Furthermore, public campaign financing could be funded by taxing corporate campaign contributions. If this tax was raised to 100%, the government would be able to ensure that the public interests and the corporate interests had the same amount of influence without spending tax money from the average American. Citizens United is often defended on the grounds of “freedom of speech”, but in reality it suppresses this cherished right. If corporations want to use a megaphone to spread their political message, it is only fair that they give the people an equally loud megaphone. If they don't, the people will be forced to take the corporate megaphone away for good.