I believe in an America committed to the democratic ideal of government of the people, by the people and for the people.

That’s why, on Friday, January 21, 2011, I was proud to be among the business leaders who announced the launch of Business for Democracy, a campaign to overturn Citizens United and to create a fair and transparent campaign finance system in our country.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC decision of January 21, 2010 allows corporations to spend unlimited money to support or oppose candidates for political office, overturning campaign finance laws in place for decades..

Business for Democracy believes the decision is inconsistent with longstanding American democratic principles and practice. The organization is spearheaded by the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), which through its 28 partners, represents more than 60,000 businesses.

We are committed to:

  • Transparency
  • Rewarding businesses that are moving toward a vibrant, equitable and sustainable economy.
  • High quality employment for all.

The campaign is supported by Ben & Jerry’s, Stonyfield Farm, Patagonia, the Social Venture Network, New Voice of Business, and thousands of companies, in every state of the nation.

Today it’s critical for business to step up and protect true democracy. A foundational principle of responsible business is to completely refrain from influencing public elections. Our current system of campaign finance has put our elected officials up for sale to the highest bidder. Too many of our legislators believe they work for the corporations, special interests and lobbyists who pay for their campaigns.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce invested heavily to support the passage of Citizens United. They have consistently worked against the best interests of our citizens, spending more than $200 million dollars last year. These efforts divert legislators from the pressing problems facing the nation and undermine our ability to create a vibrant, sustainable economy for all.

Today, we must ask questions about the proper role of business in society: Should business be encouraged to transfer wealth from the lower and middle class to the wealthiest 1 percent of Americans who already control 90 percent of the wealth in America? Or should business be committed to creating jobs, protecting our environment, ensuring the health of our democracy and economy while earning a “reasonable” profit for shareholders?

We invite all those who share our concern about the Citizens United decision to join in signing the following statement at www.BusinessForDemocracy.com.

When you sign, you make a pledge to join with us to:

  • Stop business’ undue influence in electoral politics.
  • Pledge that all business will refrain from giving funds to political campaigns.
  • Overturn the Citizens United decision; and
  • Pass a constitutional amendment keeping corporate money out of electoral politics.
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