It’s a rare and precious moment when a politician does something which perfeclty demonstrates what he or she really thinks about democracy and power. This is one of those times.
From the Intercept:
The Supreme Court, in its Citizens United decision, ruled that corporations have a First Amendment right to spend unlimited amounts in elections. Now politicians in Kentucky are claiming they have a Constitutional right to receive gifts from lobbyists.
In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court, Republican Kentucky state Sen. John Schickel, along with two Libertarian political candidates, are suing to overturn state ethics laws, claiming that the campaign contribution limit of $1,000 and a ban on gifts from lobbyists and their employers are a violation of their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
The lawsuit notes that lobbyists and the employers of lobbyists are prohibited by Kentucky law from inviting legislators to parties, offering gifts, or paying for food for legislators. “This infringes on the legislator’s, lobbyist’s, and employer of lobbyist’s right to freedom of association, and freedom of speech,” Schickel claims in the suit.
Kentucky’s ethics laws were passed in 1992 after an FBI investigation exposed a number of local politicians selling their votes.
Corporations have increasingly turned to new interpretations of the First Amendment as a legal strategy. Bond-rating agencies that gave high grades to toxic mortgage-backed securities claimed in court that doing so was their First Amendment right. Lobbyists have argued that food-labeling laws undermine the meat industry’s right to free speech. And similarly, AT&T recentlyargued that net neutrality violates the ISP industry’s First Amendment rights.
Two words: Banana Republic.
For related articles, see:
New Gallup Poll – 75% of Americans See Widespread Government Corruption
Former Senator Opines on the Incredible Corruption in America and the Fourth Branch of Government
New York is Drowning in Bribes and Corruption by Pam Martens
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter Sounds Off on America – “It’s Just an Oligarchy”
In Liberty,
Michael Krieger
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It would appear that politicians believe stupidity is a virtue. No wait…
Constitution of the United States of America, Section 9: “No Title of Nobility shall be granted by the United States: And no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under them, shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.”
Most corporations have foreign holdings if not outright moved their “business” outside of the USA. The idea here was that way those that serve within our governments could not be bought to the detriment of their nation. Amazingly they have all taken an Oath that makes them PERSONALLY accountable for their actions, and requires them to know and understand the contract (US Constitution and the state Constitution -if any – that they are under) and to implement only what is allowed by them (US Constitution and all that is in Pursuance thereof it and the state Constitution). It IS at least one felony for any oath takers that break their Oath and the crime of Perjury. It can also qualify as Treason against the American people and the US Constitution, America,
Just as sure a Obamacare is a tax!
Even with this story, the Republican establishment won’t understand why their base is fed up with the party.
I like that the politicians name is akin to ‘Shekel’…speaks volumes
In your face corruption! The unmitigated gaul! Tar and feathers is too good for these traitorous scum.