Founders didn't anticipate corporate politicking
The recent Supreme Court decision extending individual freedom of speech rights to corporations is yet another step away from what our founders conceived as a government "of, by and for the people" ("And now, the deluge," Jan. 24). It further enables the vast wealth and power of corporate entities to influence public policy well beyond the abilities of any individual or collective group of citizens.
We have long witnessed the overwhelming success of health care, insurance, energy and other corporate lobbyists in the service of their own financial needs rather than in the service of the public good. Likewise, corporate funding of both major political parties raises questions as to what degree our public servants are beholden to the public interest versus the needs of their corporate sponsors.
The framers of our Constitution were careful to establish a system of checks and balances to ensure that no political/financial entity could amass sufficient power to overwhelm the influence of any other. However, they could not have anticipated the rise of our present-day corporate system, nor formulate means to moderate its increasing impact upon government policy. In order, then, to maintain a truly representative democracy and to ensure that the voices and needs of our citizens are not subordinated, our present-day legislators must establish similar systemic restraints upon corporate hegemony. We can no longer trust in the promise of judicial restraint to do so.
Irwin Fried, Baltimore
Campaign finance decision tramples the little guy
The 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court allowing corporations to pour millions into federal elections is frightening and dangerous ("And now, the deluge," Jan. 25). Even more alarming is that many of us never saw it coming. In fact, this "gem" really took me by surprise.
I cringe to think where the Citizens United vs. FEC decision will lead. In coming campaigns, corporations will be lining up to shovel funds into their favorite candidates' war chests.
If Americans took greater interest in local politics, such a judicial bombshell would not be so troublesome. Sadly, most folks these days are more engrossed in their own "electronic bubbles" than they are in the real world around them.
Consider, too, that millions of Americans are in thrall to our celebrity culture and its media hype. This too can be bought and sold. How easy now to sway the masses with mega-dollar investments, outreach and advertising!
As a publisher of a neighborhood events calendar ( www.innerharbornetwork.com), I'm often annoyed by the apathy and restricted interests of so many. No doubt politicians and their professional entourages know that apathy all too well. Thanks to the Supreme Court ruling, not only will corporations pour in the cash, they'll support their investments with shrewd advertising, public relations programs and just plain propaganda.
It's not only the money; it's everything else that goes along with it. The "little guy" doesn't stand a chance!
What a triumph the court's decision in Citizens United vs. FEC is for big oil, Wall Street, the insurance industry, powerful corporations and bankers.
Rosalind Ellis, Baltimore
Bridge over railroad tracks isn't the answer
I have some reservations concerning "Anna's Bridge" - the idea discussed in Michael Dresser's column, "Grieving mother wants footbridge over rail tracks" (Jan. 25).
Many of the kids would not use a bridge, thinking it was "uncool," and would continue walking the tracks. A better solution would be to fine the parents $250 every time their child was caught on railroad property and to require the child to complete a special school project or complete so many hours of community service.
Although Mr. Dresser states that $2 million is a small amount for a transportation project, in today's economy I think the money could be better spent.
Peggy Alley, Baltimore
Rodgers Forge school decision must be reversed
The Rodgers Forge Elementary School decision should not be allowed to stand. It was definitely made by nefarious means ("Rodgers Forge elementary decision tainted," Readers respond, Jan. 24).
The rules were put there for a reason.
Linda M. Smith