Time to Grow!!
We the People Massachusetts/North Shore
Dear North Shore Friends,
I imagine you’ve noticed that our concerns about an electoral system deeply corrupted by money are being borne out in this election!
We the People/North Shore is recruiting activists to help push back. There is no other way to make the needed changes...this is what democracy looks like! Whether you’ve already helped or now want to after seeing what’s happening in our democracy, we’d like you to join us as an Active Member.
We clearly need an amendment to address the disastrous Supreme Court decision Citizens United. Our mission! That decision (and others) gave corporations constitutional rights and turned campaign donations into “free speech”. The only way to address this perversion of our democracy is with an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Massachusetts is already a leader in the movement. In 2012, it sent a bill to Congress calling for an Amendment to address Citizens United. Nothing happened. As Lawrence Lessig put it, “Congress is beholden to its funders.”
Also in 2012 and 2013, we and our allies put an advisory ballot question before over half of the state’s voters. It called for getting big money out of elections and affirming that corporations are not people. It won everywhere with an average of 79% voting YES. We want this change!
16 states have now called for an amendment. In 2015 and 2016 our statewide group pursued a second bill that calls on Congress to send the 28th Amendment to the states for approval AND says that if Congress fails to send the amendment to the states within 6 months of receiving it the states will call for an Article V amendment convention (a “People’s” Convention). This tactic can push a reluctant Congress to vote as they would not be included in such a convention. Several of our current amendments have been won this way. (Prohibition repeal, election of senators, term limits) The bill was not reported out of committee in the last session.
We will be reintroducing this bill this year and hope, with a revitalized base and increasing concern about money affecting our elections, that it will pass. 5 states have called for an Article V convention already.
We need your participation to build the movement and continue the fight. We need to visit many of our legislators to convince them to support this effort. Please join us as an Active Member!
In that role, you can attend WtPNS meetings (generally once a month at the Beverly Library), have a voice developing our strategy on the North Shore, participate in statewide subcommittees and/or join a local committee to put your skills and passion to work.
To be an active member, you need to do just two of the following activities:
· attend meetings,
· help with fundraising,
· petition,
· table at local events, OR
· help with the website.
Whether you are active or would like to be, please respond to this email to be included on the list for our updates and let us know which activities interest you.
No time right now? Then please help us with a donation and join in later. Make out your check to WtPMA and send it to We the People Massachusetts at 21 Main Street, Suite 4, Hudson, MA 01749. You’ll be updated on a regular basis and can join in when you are ready.
You are welcome to forward this information to others whom you think would have an interest, and we hope that all will consider joining and making a donation to help support our work. Thanks for your interest and concern.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, September 7 at 7 at the Beverly Library. Please come.
Sincerely,
Kathy Lique
Chair