Why is this amendment needed?The American democratic political process is being dissolved in a sea of lobbyists, Political Action Committees, industry and advocacy committees on every sort of issue, and "soft money" contributions to party organizations and election campaigns. Recent Congressional hearings have resulted in no action to correct the condition. Ten giant corporations control the majority of news media, and corporate expenditures drown out candidates and individual voters during election campaigns. Not every defect in politics can be traced to corporate influence, but many can. The 50% or more of people eligible to vote who typically do not bother in most recent elections may be right. By the time Election Day arrives, it is obvious to this truly silent majority there is no point to voting. The candidates have not been allowed to discuss actual issues. The party organizations stand for personal attacks on the character and morality of opposing candidates. After the election - any election - Washington and the various state capitals will get back to business as usual and demonstrate that the non-voters were right. Former Senator Bill Bradley has proposed a constitutional amendment which would allow Congressional action to limit the amount of money corporations can spend on elections. Mr. Bradley denies that his amendment would significantly restrict the First Amendment, but this denial just indicates his idea of what might be significant. It is no guarantee that the actual right of free speech which is protected by the First Amendment would be preserved. The Michigan Ad Hoc Committee for the Human Rights Amendment has a better idea. In contrast to Mr. Bradley's proposal, the Human Rights Amendment to the Constitution of the United States addresses the problem more comprehensively, without causing the least damage to the First Amendment. The Human Rights Amendment is intended to put corporations under the rule of law while it reinforces the rights of individuals. What would this amendment accomplish? Why should any organization work on getting it passed? Who is this "ad hoc committee"? |