Thom Hartmann here, progressive political commentator. Many of you know me from the #1 rated progressive nationally syndicated radio show, the Thom Hartmann Program. I’m also the author of several dozen books, including Unequal Protection: The rise of corporate dominance and theft of human rights and The Hidden History of the Supreme Court and the Betrayal of America
I'm also a long time supporter of Move to Amend!
This effort is more important than ever before.
A major focus of my programming in 2025 has been analyzing the Trump regime’s rapid authoritarian takeover of our democratic institutions and its destructive assaults on individuals, communities, the environment, and democracy itself. Throughout this year, Move to Amend has worked to expose the connections between the rise of authoritarian rule and corporate power, along with the immense political influence of billionaires like Elon Musk. Corporations and billionaires spent billions to elect Trump, donated to his inauguration, and continue to bankroll projects like the new White House East Wing ballroom boondoggle.
In return, Trump has rewarded the crypto, fossil fuel, health insurance, private prison, military contractor, and other corporate interests – as well as billionaires – with massive permanent tax breaks, no-bid contracts, dropped criminal prosecutions, privatization/corporatization of public services and the rollback of health, safety, and environmental protections.
Resistance to these corporate assaults on people, communities, the environment, and democracy has been, and will continue to be, critically important. So too is responding to escalating attacks on marginalized groups and supporting the mass uprisings of people’s movements. Move to Amend supporters across the country have leafleted and spoken at this mass marches, rallies, and protests. But they also understand that resistance alone is not enough.
Defense must be coupled with offense. Resisting must be paired with envisioning a better future – realities those seeking authoritarian rule never want people to do.
Move to Amend’s We the People Amendment (HJR54) is going on the offense by envisioning a better world where corporations are no longer treated as constitutional persons (i.e. abolishing “corporate personhood”) and where political contributions are no longer equated with speech. These judge-made doctrines have handed power away from people and into the hands of corporations and billionaires. Ending them would put people in charge of decisions that shape their lives and their communities.
Opposition to corporate rule is growing. But street protests, boycotts, and even government fines are not enough. The only fundamental solution to the fundamental problem of corporate rule is abolishing corporate constitutional rights.
Despite its small staff and budget, Move to Amend’s 2025 Accomplishments have been impressive: 68 Congressional supporters of the We the People Amendment, 818 organizational endorsements, 725 local resolutions and ballot initiatives, over 528,000 supporters, several social media posts attracting over 1 million reactions, and growing support from law school professors across the country. This success is rooted in their political and economic independence from corporations, billionaires, big foundations, political parties, and governments.
That independence means their support must come from people like you and me.
No one else does the work that Move to Amend does – confronting corporate personhood directly and connecting it to everyday struggles. Working alongside a committed, visionary, and passionate group of people who truly understand what systemic change requires is rare, and I am proud to support them. Through community education, public speaking, movement education, lobbying, and coalition-building, Move to Amend is helping build a broad, deep, diverse, and democratic movement that increases people power over corporate power and the corrupting influence of money in politics.
For decades, I’ve used my platform as a broadcaster, speaker and author of Unequal Protection and scores of articles to help push for an end to “corporate personhood” and for the cause that Move to Amend leads across the country. I do so because I understand, as I hope you do, that corporate constitutional rights stand in the way of every justice movement – from environmental protection and climate action to ending for-profit prisons, predatory health care, and endless wars. We cannot win as long as corporations and special interests have more rights and resources than the people.
Move to Amend also recognizes that our deeply broken and dysfunctional political system and flawed constitution requires broader constitutional renewal. This year, they have joined coalitions exploring not only what additional amendments are needed, but how to create a truly democratic, participatory process to achieve them.
I’ve supported Move to Amend since the very beginning. Please join me in supporting this critical work to end corporate rule and political corruption.
Yours in the movement to amend,
Thom Hartmann
P.S. The history of social change in this country shows that progress depends on those willing to demand systemic alternatives—to make the impossible inevitable while others focus on immediate crises. Move to Amend seeks that fundamental structural change. That’s why, during the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year, they will educate and organize for a Declaration of Independence from Corporate Rule. Help out. Please donate to Move to Amend today.
