Today marks the 14th Anniversary of the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission Supreme Court decision. The ruling permitted corporations and labor unions to make unlimited “independent” political contributions (i.e. spending for or against candidates that are not made in consultation or cooperation with them, their campaigns or any political party).

The super rich could also shield their political “donations” (more like political “investments”) in “dark money” organizations, nonprofits not required to disclose their donors.

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, this MLK quote feels relevant:

At Move to Amend, we've never shied away from the labels "radical" (which means exposing and changing the root/core/foundation of problems) or "extremist." Why? Because we are already living under extreme conditions.

What other choice do we have but to be extremists and radicals when corporate rule is widening and deepening, the climate is collapsing, far-right and hate-based authoritarian ideology is becoming more acceptable, and our government isn’t doing enough to address our acute crises? 

We are extremely grateful for your generosity in contributing to Move to Amend during our end-of-year fund drive!

Move to Amend has endorsed the #March4Gaza this Saturday, January 13th, in Washington D.C.

We echo the demands of an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the end of unconditional U.S. military aid to Israel, and accountability for war crimes perpetrated in violation of international law.

We've said many times, 'We would be nothing without our affiliates, advocates, and supporters.' They do a lot of the heavy lifting, which is why we've been recognizing all they do for the movement each month.

Each month we will use this space to spotlight different Affiliates. Find out who is on this month's Affiliate spotlight here!

John Fioretta has been a proud supporter and volunteer on Move to Amend's Law and Research Committee for several years.

In a world where corporate power and money influence our lives in profound ways, he has seen first hand the harm that Corporate Constitutional Rights and the idea of Money as Free Speech can cause. It's why he's reaching out to you with a short message that may raise an eyebrow or two.

As we get ready to step into 2024, it is with great pride and gratitude that we reflect on the incredible strides made by Move to Amend in the past year.

Despite being a small, entirely grassroots movement, our collective efforts have resonated far and wide, shaking the foundations of corporate influence. Our commitment to passing the We the People Amendment - HJR 54, remains unwavering, and we invite you to stand alongside us in shaping a future where the people, not corporate interests, govern our nation.

The East India Company was founded on this date in 1600. It was chartered (i.e. licensed) by the British Crown to trade in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia and later with East Asia. It eventually became the largest corporation on earth.

  East India Company flag, 1801

The company achieved not only its main purpose of facilitating economic trade (involving spices, tea, silk, opium… and slaves). It was also given the authority to colonize and rule. The corporation was in essence the government over large parts of India that extended British imperialism with the capacity to administer laws and collect taxes. It had its own army that was twice the size of the British force to enforce laws and to quell popular uprisings. 

______________________

On this "corporate rule" anniversary, please make a New Year’s resolution to (re)commit to working together to affirm our rights over corporate "rights." Start by generously contributing to our end-of-year financial match drive. We urgently need to reach our goal to start 2023 on a strong footing.

______________________

The corporation’s trade monopoly in parts of the world included the monopoly of tea sales in the American colonies, thanks to the Tea Act passed by the British Parliament. This sparked the “Boston Tea Party” in December, 1773.

Over several centuries, the corporation and the British Crown and elites in the government worked hand-in-hand to economically, politically and militarily plunder people and resources.

There is no single corporation today as dominant as the East India Company at its peak - though ExxonMobil Corporation, for example, may be close. However, business corporations collectively are much more powerful today in determining economic, political and military policies -- and impact virtually every aspect of society.

There’s never been a more urgent time to end the power of corporations to dominate our lives, harm our communities and destroy the natural world.

• Exxon-Mobil and other fossil fuel corporations knowingly destroy our climate.
• Big agricultural corporations poison our food (i.e. glyphosate by Monsanto). 
• Insurance corporations deny our health care coverage.
• Military contractor corporations spend more of our tax dollars to build more weapons used to wage perpetual military conflicts.
• Big Tech corporations spy on us and have divided us against one another. 
• Well Fargo corporation defrauded millions of customers.
• Purdue Pharma corporation killed hundreds of thousands from pushing opioids.

The list is endless.

It’s all been and remains incredibly profitable. Virtually all of it has been or is legal.

Yet, there’s never been a more opportunistic time to end the power of corporations. 

People are fed up and angry. They’re seeing through the corporate PR. And there’s increasing awareness that corporations are too big, monopolistic, unaccountable and powerful. 

That’s why there has never been a more appropriate time for Move to Amend to expand our education, advocacy and organizing in 2024.