I would like to address an issue that I feel has been pushed under the rug for far too long. The United States of America has long been proof that democracy can indeed be a sustainable form of government. When paired with a modified form of capitalism, there is little that can stand in our country’s way.
Lately, however, the leaders of our country have forgotten the reason for which our country existed in the first place. Since 1886, the U.S. Supreme Court has held firm to the belief that corporations should have the same rights as people. This is a frightening thought when you consider that many of these entities will go to whatever length necessary to make a profit, even if it means selling products and services that can seriously harm a person’s health or financially bankrupt them.
As a result of this law, we the people are seeing a diminishing level of representation on our behalf, while many businesses seemingly go unchecked. Additionally, many politicians become advocates for these entities, upon taking office and many times this leads to a national catastrophe.
The food and energy industries continue to exist with little regulation, while much of what really takes place in the production of our food is kept secret. Trillions of dollars flow into hostile countries because current powers will not develop an alternative fuel. Government officials are free to start wars, bail out corporations and stock our nation’s schools with unhealthy, low-quality food with the intention of increasing the value of various stocks that they may hold when taking office.
I feel that it is time to do something. Therefore I would like to suggest a law that prohibits any government official from holding stocks or bonds of corporations upon entering office. Once we do this, I am convinced that we the people will be represented like we were intended to be and the largest issue currently facing our country will be solved.
-Robert Schmitt
rpswx7@mail.missouri.edu