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Citizens United, Ben & Jerry's, can I marry a corporation, and more

***Special Anniversary Edition***

Stunning Statistics of the Week:

  • 365: The number of days since the U.S. Supreme Court issued its election-changing Citizens United decision
  • $444,000: The amount of money political action committees contributed to dozens of incoming members of Congress within the first three weeks after Election Day

On anniversary of Citizens United, a movement is growing to overturn the ruling

One year ago today, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that corporations can spend as much as they want to influence elections. It has become clear that the theory and practice of the court’s decision are incompatible with a well-functioning democracy. Now, a movement is growing to overturn the decision. Rallies and events were held throughout the country today, including a rally in Washington, D.C., on a grassy area between the Supreme Court building and U.S. Capitol.

Businesses join movement to overturn Citizens United

At a press conference at Public Citizen today, executives from a variety of businesses launched “Business for Democracy,” a campaign that opposes unlimited corporate spending in public elections. Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, co-founders of Ben & Jerry’s, as well as Jeffrey Hollender, co-founder of Seventh Generation and the American Sustainable Business Council, made the announcement with other business leaders.

Get the facts on a year’s worth of fallout from Citizens United

The damage done over the past year since the Supreme Court decided Citizens United is clear, according to a new Public Citizen report. The tally: 1) Outside groups are making record expenditures (more than four times as much spent in the 2010 midterm election cycle as in the last midterm election cycle in 2006); 2) Congressional staffs and lawmakers are intimidated by corporate lobbyists like never before; 3) Laws designed to protect the political system from the corrupting influence of money have been rendered dead in 24 states; and 4) Power has shifted in dozens of congressional seats in races won with the help of undisclosed outside money.

Protesters to greet Koch brothers

When Charles and David Koch, wealthy backers of conservative causes, convene a political strategy meeting in California this month, they will be greeted by protesters. The “Uncloak the Kochs” rally, organized by Common Cause, will be held on Jan. 30.

Florida woman looks to marry a corporation

A woman in South Florida has announced that she is looking for a husband. But not just any husband – this woman wants to marry a corporation. And why not? The Supreme Court has given corporations the same First Amendment rights as people.

Visit www.DontGetRolled.org to learn more!

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