To: President Donald Trump
Ask President Obama to issue an executive order requiring transparency in political donations
We ask that you, President Obama, consider issuing an executive order requiring that any corporation or private entity that has any contracts with the US government make all political contributions a matter of public record. This can apply to US and foreign-based contributions. We ask that you do this before Oct. 1, 2012 with immediate compliance required.
Why is this important?
One of the horrors of the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision is the lack of transparency it allows in the untold millions that flow into presidential and congressional elections through superPACs. Even foreign governments like Saudi Arabia and China have access to congressional races.
By mandating that transparency after the election season has begun, these corporate sources of donations can be used against their recipients. The breadcrumbs of corruption and quid quo pro will be visible to all, and their existence will be useful ammo in ads even when a candidate is being outspent 8 to 1.
President Obama has, through the executive order process, the power to require all companies, nations, and private entities that have contracts with the US government to make political donations public. Now is the time to make this happen so this information can best benefit the underdogs in this political cycle.
By mandating that transparency after the election season has begun, these corporate sources of donations can be used against their recipients. The breadcrumbs of corruption and quid quo pro will be visible to all, and their existence will be useful ammo in ads even when a candidate is being outspent 8 to 1.
President Obama has, through the executive order process, the power to require all companies, nations, and private entities that have contracts with the US government to make political donations public. Now is the time to make this happen so this information can best benefit the underdogs in this political cycle.