To: City Commission and voters, Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids: Save democracy, end corporate rule

"THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS RESOLVE AND DECLARE our intention to AMEND THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION to preserve as fundamental values of democratic representative government TWO PRINCIPLES:

(1) The rights protected by the Constitution of the United States are the rights of natural persons (human beings) only, and
(2) The spending of money to influence elections is not to be construed as speech under the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Further, THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS urgently instruct our elected officials in state and federal office to enact resolutions and legislation under Article V so to amend the Constitution."

If the City approves, this or similar text will appear on the ballot in Grand Rapids on November 6.

Disclaimer: This is a non partisan issue. The support of persons of all political persuasions is welcomed.

Why is this important?

Who should govern, corporations or people? Who does govern?

Citizens United, a recent ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court, extended the doctrine that corporations are persons and are entitled to make unlimited and anonymous contributions to political campaigns. In its effect, this ruling is corrupting elections, dis-empowering voters, and destroying our democracy.

Move To Amend Grand Rapids is urging the City to take steps toward amending the U.S. Constitution to firmly establish that human beings, not corporations, are persons entitled to constitutional rights and that money is not speech under the First Amendment. Let's amend!