The Story of Citizens United v. FEC

[@StoryofStuff]

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[@ZVily]

I wish I first watched this in 2011 and not 2019...

[@tomlund4951]

Villy but you’re here now! That’s what matters!

[@steelernation6125]

I was against citizens United since day one. The only thing that sucks more than being old is that I've watched this crap happen

[@Senasis469]

Same!!! Dont think most people realize one politician or president is NOT going to change this, we're gonna have to literally mob up and fight against the corporatocracy!!!!

[@kisa4748]

watching this in 2020 is so depressing

[@njandrews4105]

Slightly more depressing in 2022

[@lilmoesk899]

Well said.

[@MadameRaven1]

Watching in 2022 is even worse.

[@zbynekcodykolacek]

@@MadameRaven1 Exactly even worst, in here then we know, that the system works the same way, just more sophisticated.

[@janeayre96]

It’s worse in 2022

[@njrobinson95]

"We have the best politicians money can buy" -Mark Twain

[@LordBrittish]

It was happening way back then and we just let it get worse and worse over the years. Thanks capitalism!

[@yetekt6953]

@@LordBrittish Capitalism is the best economical system no matter what

[@EseEsKaliman]

@@yetekt6953 sounds like cope. there's absolutely no reason we can't make our situation better but people's pride and need to be right is what stops us from moving forward. i agree that socialism and communism will never work but late stage capitalism is just as bad. we need to stop letting the rich put whatever into our head and create a better future for ourselves and our children

[@yetekt6953]

@@EseEsKaliman We’re not in “late stage Capitalism” true Capitalism doesn’t exist right now which is a good thing I agree.

[@cwj_721]

@@yetekt6953 capitalism is amazing and natural but there must exist regulation to allow the government from being pervaded by entities who arent acting for the good of the country. right now people are losing trust in the government because reagan took away everything stopping corporations from totally influencing the government.

[@bi30]

"Corporations are people, my friend!" I know it's true because a corporation running for president told me so.

[@TheRealVsauce]

Amen brother

[@Sup3rB4dVideos]

corporations are people because they're literally an organization of people

[@bi30]

@@Sup3rB4dVideos The people in those corporations ALREADY have rights. The business they work for doesn't need an additional right. . A corporation is a person as much as a school bus is a child.

[@azedo158]

It is so depressing that this video was uploaded 11 years ago and not much has changed

[@monsterpig3270]

Yes it has. It's alot worse today. COVID19 is just the first Act.

[@scottpeterson4802]

Sadly, it's because corporations don't want it to change!

[@karynnmackinnon3975]

Take note of the legislators that vote against overturning citizens United. They are on the take from these corporations. We need a democratic government that works for the people NOT corrupt corporations.

[@cwj_721]

we need a modern day teddy roosevelt

[@pokemario99]

me: ok nice video, helped me figure out my homework on this case. bassist at 8:37: actually let me bring out a banger and make you forget what you just watched

[@finn6791]

Faaacts

[@hackermangage1703]

As a bassist thank you

[@egg5101]

ONGGGGG 😭

[@braddyboy82]

I love this Supreme Court decision!! Now, I can finally give AS MUCH MONEY AS I WANT to a political party or a campaign!! Yessss!!!! Wait, wait a minute... I am a tax paying and voting citizen. Since when do corporations vote for a president?

[@marakeshg8112]

I can't understand how this video only has 830,000 views. This is valuable information. Big thank you to whoever is responsible for this.

[@ZMAN_420]

I know, I watched this when it 1st came out. What's new here I bet 80% of Americans don't even know what citizens united is. Catchy name, it should BE COMPANIES UNITED 👍🏻🇺🇲

[@hermanhoppe3773]

You vote on basis of what the guy on Tv says to you?

[@jayguero2123]

@@hermanhoppe3773 Does that include the “LiBeRaLs GeTtiNg OwNeD using LOGIC” crowd of people like Ben Shapiro? Because in terms of entertainment, it’s up there. Ideologically and politically speaking? Not so much. Who needs books anymore when we can watch Tucker Carlson tout conspiracy theories about how minorities are taking the white man’s job? Good on you for promoting a healthy democratic republic you scat you!

[@blusterbeediggingploof2510]

the pain of realizing this important video was released in 2011

[@SSSTopgun1]

Today I found out my entire life has been a lie, thank you for this video.

[@TheRealVsauce]

Literally 99.9% of everything is a lie!

[@pugduck1917]

People need to calm down with the "the US is a REPUBLIC NOT A DEMOCRACY" comments. The U.S. is a combination of the the two. Our system has Liberal Democratic structure as much as it does constitutional republican and presidential structure. We don't fall into a single category. The rest of the video brings up valid arguments, so if you don't like it, come up with valid rebuttals. I personally think that people are so accustomed to being spoon-fed corporate propaganda that they don't care to educate themselves on issues. Corporations may control surface education but everyone has access to unbiased and true information. Its called the internet.

[@destroyer-fr4dz]

The federalist papers even say its a republic and that democracy wont work to fix factions. Read federalist 10.

[@hokiewhit5]

Edward Nigma it’s simply said to kill a discussion. Yes we are a republic but we choose our elected officials through democratic means.

[@lancethrustworthy]

Wrong again! The People need to rise up! Wake up! Look at the world and what the dirty Republicans are doing! What you personally think is irrelevant. Wake up. Work FOR The People, not against them! Sheesh!

[@hazard9910]

@@lancethrustworthy Seriously? "What you personally think is irrelevant"? That isn't something Edward personally thinks, so your comment doesn't make sense. It isn't an opinion, it's a fact. We ARE a constitutional republic-a country where some decisions (but not all) are made by direct democratic processes.

[@UN4SS1GN3D]

Lmao 10 years later and nothing has changed. We are so screwed.

[@f.puttstycker2784]

You might go back to the HUDSON BAY VO?

[@joebro543]

Watching in 2024 is depressing

[@Dr.HouseMD]

Jesus. This aged freakishly well.

[@OctobersDaughter]

Yes it has. It's sod sad where our country is headed.

[@NextLevelAfrican]

This is fucking moronic. It unreal how much people don't understand about corporations. This video is horrendously biased.

[@jamesp6690]

@@NextLevelAfrican this video makes it seem like pursuing a profit is a bad thing

[@AaronLeach5]

@@NextLevelAfrican what do you mean? What do they not understand about corps?

[@AaronLeach5]

@@jamesp6690 I don’t think you finished the video. I made a comment above would be cool if you gave it a read.

[@amyg268]

Watching this in Nov 2024 is also so depressing “The life of our democracy is on the line” In 2020 Jan 6th hadn’t even happened yet. We now have a president whose supporters literally tried to overthrow the government

[@sheena_e]

I love these videos! It let my eyes open to the truth inside the economy, on why more countries are unsuccessful than others. I wish the leaders of tomorrow are watching these videos right now.

[@handsomedude7644]

They are

[@RobertGrismer]

I have never been into politics, but I worked my entire life to protect our democracy, this is an important video, please watch, and help overturn Citizens United.

[@markarmage3776]

You can' buy the next President, ask Bloomberg, he failed miserably. This is a pathetic interpretation of the case You can't regulate people's speech. A book is speech, a movie is speech, doesn't matter how much money poured into the movie and what purpose. Corporation is a group of people, who runs the corporations? Ghostbusters? We don't care if you have your donors, the point is that we will not be silenced. The people crying about Citizens United are the ones who are afraid of the truth. Democrats donors outweigh Republicans donors like 4 to 1. But the Democrats are afraid because they know that the Republicans side with the truth, and enough money to get the truth out shall sink any number of money promoting the lies. Cry me a river, kid.

[@MMMM-sv1lk]

@@markarmage3776 the truth? What is the "truth"... I mean I am simply asking for a clarification, so vague talking about a so called truth and not explaining it... As far as my opinion goes, the lack of accountability from the side of a corporation is troubling. A corporation is not a democracy, it is a monolithic structure where if you somehow disagree with its aims you'd be let go... If these structures take control of a country that would result in a totalitarianism of some sort... So claiming corporations have a right to free speech is absurd, don't you agree... Just enlighten me, what are you trying to say in the first place?

[@MMMM-sv1lk]

@@markarmage3776 oh and I am not into bipartisan politics, I think either group has historically been documented to be quite devious from time to time... But still I would be the first to admit I am leaning towards republican side... But as I said in the long run I don't care...

[@franciscodemarco1878]

@@markarmage3776 Notice how Mark automatically resorts to praising one of the two main parties over the other, even though this video is not pointing out any parties. This is exactly why lobbying still exists

[@juliankernes8574]

Citizens United ruling which was only a 5 to 4 decision far from unanimous. One quote towards the beginning of Justice Steven's dissent: "The basic premise underlying the Court's ruling is its iteration, and constant reiteration, of the proposition that the First Amendment bars regulatory distinctions based on a speaker's identity, including its "identity" as a corporation. While that glittering generality has rhetorical appeal, it is not a correct statement of the law. Nor does it tell us when a corporation may engage in electioneering that some of its shareholders oppose.”

[@teddymarvelle5510]

what are you doing here reading these comments? ... get out side and fight for your liberty and truly your freedom.

[@guinevere4365]

I’m 74. Exactly what would you suggest I do?

[@steelernation6125]

We the people not we the corporations not we the lobbyists not we the political parties not we the politicians

[@seanm4095]

Say it with me now "MONEY IS NOT SPEECH"! It's influence!

[@charlesshafer3072]

This video is astounding. Thank you for it. It demonstrates how pervasive the OTHER golden rule is in campaign finance today. Whoever HAS the gold, MAKES the rules. It's disheartening and despicable both at once.

[@lotusgrl444]

And yet they still want us to believe we're a "democracy"

[@milianozuniga-deanda4955]

Wow! I was confused about what side to support as an independent in this issue because I somewhat believed they should have the right to spend whatever it is they want due to the first amendment but thank you for clarifying it to me that corporations are indeed not people and will spend whatever it takes to get their agenda ahead! +storyofstuffproject

[@whatsyourlovestory]

We are making headway here, Nearly 15 states have called for an Article V. to get money out of politics.

[@DJDiverDan436]

Daniel Salerno, yes, there is far too much money in politics. But you can’t solve the problem unless you first diagnose the cause. There is too much money in politics because we have given Government WAY too much power to run our lives. When the Government has the power to run virtually every aspect of our lives, the power to kill a business or make a business incredibly profitable, business people HAVE to spend money lobbying just as a matter of self-preservation. You want to reduce the influence of money in politics? There is ONLY ONE WAY. Reduce the power of Government.

[@ferallumberjack4310]

The unfortunate thing is that alot of the time they put a time limit on bills. So while eventually it could get all the states it needs. If the time limit had expired all of them need to say yes again and the governing bodies have changed.

[@autumnpalmer8654]

hey boo. its been 7 years. we aint make much progress

[@glennswindler24]

Republic or Democracy, the lives and opinions of the people should matter more than anything! Republic or Democracy, there is still law and we have to act within it, but the people should have a strong influence over the politicians making our laws, not big money driven organizations!

[@brucej.willson4764]

Oligarch*

[@DinaStrange]

I like this stories. They are easy on the eyes and actually teach you something.

[@jose_ramos_7]

Tbh you are not forced by anyone neither corporations or people. Corporations can expend billions in ads I just vote for who i believe is the best option. And remember dollars they expend on ads or campaigns finish in hands of workers

[@DetroitAnalog]

Simple, direct and honest. The Corporations "Free Speech" is Screaming into a 5,000,000,000 watt amplifier. My "Free Speech" has become less audible than a mouse fart. AMEND THE CONSTITUTION!!!!!

[@CityDumpRecords]

Thanks for doing this video guys! I thought it was simple and to the point! Please keep up your hard work and we will help you as we can! You are making a difference one person at a time

[@josephang9927]

Why a corporation telling us what to vote? No reason. Just Free speech.

[@anthondeutsch3133]

Well explained but your opinion on the matter is not necessary, each person should be the judge of what position s/he wants to take on the matter. Explaining the facts in a neutral way would have been enough.

[@Soft__lemons]

There is no neutral way having corporations influence politics this heavily in the US is completely negative. Unless you like corporatocracy

[@synapse131]

"Now Im made to pay for others." Just like the rest of us. We all have to pay back to society and that includes helping those who cannot help themselves. Not because it helps them, but because it helps the rest of us. When the poor live on the streets, it degrades the quality of life for the rest of us. When the poor cannot get food and end up dying at the hospital, we pay. We're going to pay either way, it's just would you rather pay a small amount to help up front or a larger

[@GetToDaChoppa-k5r]

This was a brilliant piece. Vote Bernie Sanders who will overthrow Citizens United.

[@GetToDaChoppa-k5r]

BETTERWORLD SGT0589 Good for you and keep spreading the word for him! He needs all the help he can get.

[@skidmoda]

+no hassle I'm for the overthrow of this case, but Sanders? Why do you think the gov can fix the problems given their track record? Please help understand I've ask this questions over 20 times, but nobody has given me a real reason.

[@GetToDaChoppa-k5r]

skidmoda He is shedding light on the corruption that none of the other candidates want to talk about. He has admitted that not Bernie Sanders or anyone can do it alone, but by pulling together we can all make a difference.

[@skidmoda]

no hassle you don't think any other candidate has mentioned this? I agree the message is good and yes they need to do it together. That hasn't answer my question, but you still make an interesting point.

[@GetToDaChoppa-k5r]

skidmoda Mostly all of the other candidates have taken serious contributions from super pac donations which will no doubt influence their political goals. Bernie is funded by the American people. Plus he is a man who has strong principles that he has stood by his entire life. There are not many noble people like him in politics especially running for office, so voters should take that into account at the ballot box.

[@kevinvolk968]

typical. I just wanted to know the details of the case so I could draw my own educated conclusion, and instead I just got a bunch of anti-corporate propaganda.

[@USpatriot741776]

Same.

[@scottdylanwoolf]

Kevin Volk anti-corporate? arent we all?

[@marcoscarballal2002]

Exactly how I felt. I don't even disagree with their sentiment but the title is heavily misleading

[@moqui5783]

Kevin Volk Go read the decision. it's isn't good for US citizens.

[@esj-wg6rv]

same

[@sergiothelifeguard1]

I love this series!!! it makes me want to go to Economics

[@mr.beauty1870]

the way this is 13 years old as of 2024 is insane.

[@jaredjones1752]

Regarding criticisms of this decision: The First Amendment reads: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press..." As you can see, it doesn't specify individuals or corporations when it talks about free speech. Thus, if you can restrict the right of a corporation to produce a political ad, you can just as easily do so for an individual. The meme that "corporations are people" is IRRELEVANT in this debate. Lastly, spending money is such a fundamental right (more fundamental than free speech, frankly) that the founders never bothered to explicitly mention it. Anyway, the SCOTUS made the right call--and it can (and HAS) benefited Democrats just as much as Republicans.

[@kaiseramadeus233]

Do you think bribery is constitutional and shouldn't be illegal?

[@nearn8517]

Campaign-finance result say otherwise

[@ashleycasey2093]

"Vote for this guy!"

[@lancethrustworthy]

THANK YOU for this video! I love it. I share it! It's important!

[@gmc40able]

If you like this video, check out Common Cause, Represent Us and Robert Reich (of common cause)..He explains things brilliantly. PASS THEM ON!

[@danielgreen1475]

I only heard about this Citizens United case because of the Sanders campaign. No other candidate has consistently suggested to overturn it. Why isn't America #feelingthebern?

[@Dean_WeAreTheShow]

+Daniel Green Because the "Bern" is for censorship. You should read the actual court decision and realize that by silencing the smaller voices (ie. voices outside the BIG 6 MEDIA CORPORATIONS you'd only have THEIR CORPORATE interests in our politics... like, say, a constitutional amendment that limits our free speech. This video is blatantly misleading.

[@THXx1138]

+WeAreTheShow She repeatedly claims we are a democracy. That is incorrect and a has become widely accepted by most.

[@LukeFG]

Because socialism is a zombie idea

[@Swagfagwithswag]

I think the best solution to this mess is simply to not allow donating money to politicians or political campaigns.

[@hugo-2379]

oh it's been a while since I havent seen one of those on my screen.

[@4-SeasonNature]

Citizens United? Who did they unite? Rather citizens divided. Now that we are in 2023, it has proven to be true - we're divided and more and more so.

[@razkumar6151]

Why this type of videos are not recommended by KZbin

[@kisa4748]

Because KZbin/Google is a "person."

[@N4Evar06]

I appreciate the effort into the video. and good points are made. however the bias is nauseating.

[@DavidJGillCA]

+Indigo pirate What bias...Say WHAT the bias is. Name it. Are we supposed to guess what you mean?

[@jacobmcdaniel7616]

Indigo pirate agreed

[@bet8467]

@@DavidJGillCA Anti-corporate bias.

[@ghostboy2x]

Okay, anti-corporate bias. Now can you make a counter argument, as in, tell us WHY they deserve to be able to donate unending money, when it is glaringly obvious that they will put profit over the well being of our country?

[@ghostboy2x]

They described why corporate money is a bad thing with examples and visual representations. Albeit, elementary ones for the layman. But you can't just say, "this only represents one side!" when you haven't even told us what your POV is, and why that contradicts theirs. It's like you're just saying "i don't like this song" when it's on the billboard top 100, but you wont tell us what's bad about it.

[@coltsrule5150]

If we are to consider corporations as people, then owning a corporation should be considered slavery then, right?

[@jaysimonetti]

If corporations are people, why hasn't Texas executed a few?

[@ashleycasey2093]

An excellent point!

[@alicelu5691]

uhhh are you getting paid fairly? then no, that’s not slavery...

[@darimiwamubarak]

@@alicelu5691 You missed the joke.

[@JagStang77]

And why aren't they taxed at the same rate as me??? They want all the benefits of individuals and NONE of the consequences!!!😠😠😠

[@TankieGirlie]

Most understand our government AS a Democracy, because that's what it's been called colloquially. It does not invalidate the point of the video to do so. Even as a republic the people still hold the power over the government. Now climb down off your high horse and watch the video... That is unless that really wasn't the issue you had with it.

[@dsh1667]

People will never overturn Citizens United. Impossible. Sad truth "Freedom once lost is lost forever." Thomas Jefferson.

[@hebintn]

These videos are wonderful. Clear and concise enough that even I can understand them. This one on Citizens United should be watched by the entire population. Maybe then some meaningful action would be taken.

[@dlmabey]

"Why are corporations telling us who to vote for?" Hmmmm... Why are unions telling us who to vote for? It should be both or neither.

[@ghr1990]

Agreed.

[@FillingTheGap1]

That's why Represent.Us aims to effect each the same way.

[@fromthebackseat4865]

Unions are not profit motivated. Unions work at behest of the people they represent, the working class

[@rajashashankgutta4334]

@@fromthebackseat4865 no. Unions work for the self interest of workers. Companies work for the self interest of shareholders

[@fromthebackseat4865]

@@rajashashankgutta4334 yes but the self-interest of the workers is fair wage and safe and humane working conditions. The interests of share holders is maximize profits at all cost. Even if that means unfair wages and unsafe working conditions. One is obviously better.

[@MagCynic]

I know I'm a few years late to this party, but did she even talk about the actual argument Citizens United was making? Did she even go into the reasons why Citizens United appealed their case to the Supreme Court?

[@casey4619]

No, I think she was mainly here to sway people like me, whom are against this kind of thing. She succeeded, though. :D I think it's good. The last thing any particular cause needs is circlejerking, indoctrination is the key but it seems a lot of movements and groups like to sharpen their indoctrination skills on each other, not opposing agents.

[@GR8APE69]

No, and that's why this video is propagandist shit.

[@jimreily7538]

No. Because if you had any knowledge of law, in the high courts, the actual decision itself has no precedent. Its just an individual case remedied by the decision. The legal precedents handed down in the course of the justices making their decision, is what is important. If I sue you for wasting my time and for some reason the court hears the case and rules in my favor and provides me some remedy - then you appeal, and the appeal goes to the circuit courts. If the court in the case of You vs Me (2019), revokes the decisions of the lower courts - but does so by rationalising that people in the US cannot make stupid comments, then that becomes law. This is precedential lawmaking. Reasoning not supposed to be regarded as precedent, are referred by justices as 'obiter dicta' and are dually noted.

[@jimreily7538]

Let me summarise: If Joe sues Jack for stealing his lawnmower, and the case goes to the Supreme Court, the court might rule one way or the other. It's not important. What IS important is the legal reasoning the judges use in coming to their decisions. These are precedential - meaning they are law, and can be cited as law. The process is an artifact of the common law system, and is sometimes called "judge-made" law, as opposed to law made by the legislature.

[@jimreily7538]

One more time. The DECISION in Citizens United is immaterial. But the majority ruling, the five jurists who wrote that ruling, set new laws and changed old ones. A Supreme Court decision, like most appeals court decisions, aren't as important as the legal reasoning, and hence the precedential law - now enshrined as Constitutional by the weight of the court - used in coming to that decision, is what is relevant.

[@TheMrsSTFU]

Great video, i finally understand what this case is about.

[@GR8APE69]

Uh huh. That's funny, because she didn't mention the specifics of the case whatsoever; she merely rambled on with anti-corporate sanctimony.

[@DJDiverDan436]

No, you don’t. Because Annie Leonard doesn’t know what the case is about. Or maybe she just doesn’t give a damn about lying to you. NOWHERE in this video does she explain the factual background of the case, the legal framework in which the case was decided, or the rationale of the decision. This entire video was designed to put forth an anti-corporation screed that has nothing whatsoever to do with reality. Apparently, any idiot who is clueless about history, law and economics can put out a video purporting to “educate” people.

[@michaellovin3522]

@@DJDiverDan436 Agreed. As an attorney, I can say that this is pure rhetoric and in no way discusses the factual framework of Citizens United. It forwarded the popular misconception that CU allows for corporate funding of elections as opposed to the first amendment applying to corporate entities. Every time she referred to "our democracy," I lost more of what little respect I had for her...

[@r.forrestblount9222]

@@DJDiverDan436 , she does get the negative consequences of Citizens United correct, and that is the bottom line. Keep it simple, baby.

[@r.forrestblount9222]

Michael, she does get the negative consequences of Citizens United correct, and that is the bottom line.

[@dude27285]

I'm glad this video is getting so many views. I hope it reaches 1 million soon.

[@ynot305]

if corporations want to be treated like people then they should be limited to the $1000 campaign contribution limit

[@StoryofStuff]

What could go wrong if profit-driven corporations gained control your city's public water systems? Watch our latest animation, The Story of Water! 👉🏽 kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmXNhZ-bi5WagZI

[@1253bryan]

Price would probably go down.

[@JamieAllen1977]

it's a republic, so........fail

[@balancedstereo]

Money IS Free Speech BUT -- Money IS NOT “Free AND Equal” POLITICAL Speech!! -- BECAUSE at early Campaign “Stump Speeches” Abe Lincoln & the others were placed “Equally” enough apart to where Voters could move around & Freely Hear All Views Equally!! -- So EVIL “Citizens United” Must be KILLED with “Freedom AND Equality” in Political Speech as the “Supreme” Legal Argument & ALL Campaign Spending Must be “Equalized” so WE can Freely Hear All Mass Media Campaign "Stump Speech" Equally!!

[@apachetribeswearealive2313]

America is no longer a Country ...since 1871. IS A CORPORATION ..THATS WHY..DO YOUR RESEARCH.

[@CybeargPlays]

Wow... This was made in 2011, and I've only become aware of this thanks to #BernieSanders2016 Sad to think that the original fight apparently didn't get very far, but I'm hopeful that, with Bernie as our President, we can make this change happen!

[@btsnake]

I'm so glad that worked out for you

[@CybeargPlays]

***** I suppose that when the world goes to shit, sarcasm is the only defense.

[@btsnake]

The world is fine. It's nothing we can't get through

[@CybeargPlays]

***** "Fine" by what standard?

[@CybeargPlays]

***** I feel the same as I did before, it's just more frustratingly bleak now. "lol"

[@willinat1]

this talks like a video for a highschool government class but it's crucial to the continued success of our nation. god damn.

[@akalper84]

Do you have transcript for this fantastic video to ease the translation into other languages??

[@magsmags5255]

The Corporations are in charge now and they will never allow Citizens United to be repealed!!!!!

[@LeviDanielBarnes]

Corporations have exactly as much power as voter apathy gives them. Money can't buy informed and determined voters.

[@ashleycasey2093]

You want a bet?

[@CasuallyGaming123]

Please, you can buy anyone desperate enough for some glimmer of hope, even if it's an illusion.

[@parkman009]

the corporations own and control the majority of sources of information other than word of mouth. And if we let them they will control forums like this and twitter and every other means of mass communication.

[@ashleycasey2093]

Alan Parkman I mean this honestly, can you cite your sources? I would like to use this info you just said (if it's true) elsewhere.

[@parkman009]

Ashley Casey Okay, lets make some lists. Name the radio stations, television stations in a minor or major market, television and cable networks, name the magazines or newspapers or cable or internet providers or any other media companies, cell phone and landline service providers, electronic or printed communications of any kind, etc that that are not controlled by a large or giant corporations or individual billionaires and document how many people get their information from them. Then make a list of those that are controlled by them and how many people get their information from those sources. Then make a list of all the politicians that do and those that do not accept corporate or wealthy interests' contributions. Make a list of legislation or proposed legislation that attempts to censor or tax or regulate the internet or twitter or cell phone communications and who sponsored and or voted for that legislation. Make a list of where you and I and anyone for that matter gets their information. Then document all those lists and cite the sources and who controls those sources and how you found those sources. Remember, information is not equal to truth. (I'm afraid I just created a full time unpaid job for us for several weeks or months. Maybe we could publish the results of our study.) Who are the publishers and who owns them, make a list and document it, cite the sources. Include that too. So, lets consolidate my thoughts. The research question for our study is this: Do the corporations own and control the majority of sources of information and every other means of mass communications other than word of mouth? I made my original statement based on my conclusions from deductive reasoning derived from my own observations and what I have read and heard over the years. So, I don't have sources I can cite off the top of my head. But, I think I have outlined a place to start if you are sincere in your search for the truth. Maybe there is a group of us that can take up that challenge or find some one who already has. I for one would need funding as I am not independently wealthy. (who funds research?)

[@HumanRights4Everyone]

Wait, isn't 'Free Range Studios' a corporation?

[@zenymax8348]

Not a for-profit one at least..

[@Jerry-zf3ip]

HumanRights4Everyone no one is saying that a corporation in and of itself is a bad thing. Well, self styled communists or anarchists will, but most liberals are fine with corporations. So long as corporations pay their fair share, don't hide money offshore and tax evade, don't impose and lobby for government rules/regulations in their pure favor (eg monopolizing), and don't buy elections.

[@5urg3x]

Booster Gold The video did seem a bit anti-corporation. The corporations are not the problem here IMHO; most of the people in most corporations are good people, contribute positively to the economy and country, offer jobs and benefits to workers, and aren't even involved in this crap. I'm torn on this issue...I believe in absolute freedom of speech...I just never thought of money as speech...but I guess you can interpret it that way. This seems so wrong though; private money has no place in public democracy.

[@casey4619]

On my desk, there is a notepad and pen. Upon this notepad, I write arguments to points. It sharpens my debate skills, as I am a debate hobbyist. I have never been so opposed to an idea, written so many arguments upon my notepad, only to have to throw the paper away, having been defeated before I could rebuttal. Amazing propaganda. Thank you for this change in my views.

[@yogojojo]

Nice reply. And an amazing usage of the word propaganda which doesn't imply something dirty. :) www.wolf-pac.com

[@casey4619]

Jonathan Josh Thanks, guy.

[@MrDobw]

" I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country. ... corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed." - Abraham Lincoln, Nov. 21, 1864

[@AtTheLees]

But this problem started way before Citizens United??

[@martymcfly5423]

This Video is awesome!!

[@remmiwatermelonpuppi]

I love your videos your so àmazing

[@godonlyknows13]

feelthebern.org brought me here Bernie Sanders 2016

[@skidmoda]

+godonlyknows13 too much "free" stuff, he needs econ 101 1st. Gov doesn't have money of its own it has your money. I don't understand this faith in the government to fix things, given their track record. Why do you believe they can "fix" things?

[@godonlyknows13]

skidmoda The government can't. The people can. This is what Bernie Sanders (as well as anyone who knows what they're talking about) tells us. It'll take everyone to cause the real systemic change needed to restore democracy to the united states. But Bernie Sanders is a man who is willing to be the leader of the people (not of big businesses) and help the citizens of these united states claim their country back from those who have stolen it.

[@skidmoda]

godonlyknows13 Yes the people can meaning individuals with freedoms. Meaning Government get the hell out of my way. Bigger the government the smaller the individual. We don't live in a democracy it's a republic, but I see your intent. Bernie I have no doubt echoes a lot of frustrations of the majority of people. However, if you could vote yourself a new car would you? Yes it is of a self interest, but the problem that has unintended consequences from the lack of knowledge of how economics works. It really isn't difficult to understand, but politicians think about votes appealing to the masses.

[@godonlyknows13]

skidmoda The United States is the richest country in the world, roughly double the economy of China, the U.S. is perhaps the richest country in history... The government can afford this shit without even blinking. It's all in how you distribute the wealth. Nothing is free, it all has to be paid for. But by making sure everyone pays what is fair, we can afford everything Sanders wants to bring to people. And just me talking - this has nothing to do with Bernie, per se - if you cut just a small percentage of the military budget, you free up A LOT of revenue that can be redirected toward much more necessary areas.

[@skidmoda]

godonlyknows13 We can just afford it? WHY should they pay for it? Why should the government provide this? Ask yourself is it their role to do this? Why not a non-profit? Why not other non-public organizations? Why not a charity? Why specifically the government? If i want to give money to an organization it's my right and freedom to do so. However as soon as I am "forced" via taxes it lose my choice my freedom to do so. As I said the bigger the government the small the person..and freedoms.

[@nickcollins7568]

You need a law putting a maximum limit on election expenses like we have in the UK. Your electoral system is a crazy circus

[@Altkinx]

This well-documented and logical concept is based in reality, my friend. It doesn't assume that all people are completely incompetent. It does however assume that humans learn from the world around them. For example, most religious people come from religious families. A certain concept which is presented as truth, over the span of one's life, is NOT un-rejectable --- cognitive dissonance is a strong force to be reckoned with. "Choose between a, b, or c. It's free will but it's still a recipe"

[@LonzPonz]

#FEELTHEBERN

[@hjmj14]

Go to The Young Turks or Wolf-Pac.com

[@fbi10]

We live in a constitutional republic NOT a democracy...

[@casey4619]

***** You mean an oligarchy, you dumbshit! Learn politics before you speak!

[@casey4619]

Lyle Coulter U mad?

[@MsTMarie83]

Please share this!!! People need to see this!

[@frankylayne]

A republic and a democracy are identical in every aspect except one. In a republic the sovereignty is in each individual person. In a democracy the sovereignty is in the group.

[@Sommer57]

1:14 "This is a democracy." Nope; The United States is a republic.

[@JohnDoe-ht1de]

Nope, the United States is a fascist oligarchy.

[@willnapolitano148]

John Doe Well since Obama was in charge, it sure seems that way.

[@random124-1-]

Will Napolitano so because Obama is no longer president it's no longer a fascist oligarchy ridiculous. You have companies actually bribing the lawyers of the president and his constituents please try to understand other people's world view unbiased and make your opinion off that not whatever you hear on the news

[@willnapolitano148]

Ty Martinee Actually, I never even said I support the current president. I do agree with him on certain issues though. I made a mistake. It should have been seems, rather than seems, which I changed. The ACA is Facsist, which is what I was implying. Just because I said I don't like Obama, doesn't mean I like Trump. I happen to be a Libertarian Conservative. Also, I don't even watch cable news or read NY Times, Washington Post, etc.

[@random124-1-]

My fault for assuming your political stance usually when I see anti-Obama comments it's some radical Fox news Alt Right person. I wouldn't say ACA is fascist but Socialist this administration however is far more fascist than Obama's by any definition of the term. Obama didn't receive payments from companys and other countries actually bribing him to make certain policy decisions while Trump has.

[@HackersSun]

I GOT ME A TICKET FOR BERNIE SANDERS 8D all aboard the sanders train! CHOO CHOO WOO WOO!

[@SwitchingRooskies]

HackersSun On this train the first and business class seating is empty. The party is back in the coach section! CHOO CHOOO!

[@badpanda84]

+SwitchingRooskies Everyone knows all the cool kids sit at the back

[@destroyer-fr4dz]

I am from the future. Sad news, Bernie lost to Hillary

[@nissa111]

Vote Bernie Sanders!

[@devidion]

+Anissa Crispin Margaret Thatcher once said that "The trouble with Socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money."

[@synapse131]

FYI, those on SSDI paid into that system just like any other insurance program (just without the outrageous profit motive.) They are NOT taking YOUR tax money. Welfare and Social Security Disability are separate things. Anyone who argues that we should get rid of Social Security Disability should also then argue that we should get rid of car insurance, health insurance, life insurance, etc.

[@ftrain65]

Best video on youtube ever. People need to turn off their damned TVs and objectively look at the situation.

[@irwintomahawk]

Ermmmm... The US is NOT A DEMOCRACY, it's a CONSTITUTIONAL REPUBLIC! The words "democracy" and "democratical" are NOT FOUND anywhere in THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES or in any of the CONSTITUTIONS of the states!

[@DavidJGillCA]

+irwin tomahawk To call a nation a democracy is shorthand for democratic republic or representative deomocracy. Democracy exists nowhere, yet we refer to "the Western democracies" all the time.

[@sfdungeon]

another corporate coffer? do you still believe that corporations are people, and money is free speech after viewing this video? hell, even a 3rd grader could grasp the point and get it

[@auntsally5921]

Sweetie pie! A Republic is a democracy ― by definition! The dictionary is your friend… : )

[@justinguillaume7986]

The fact she keeps calling The U.S.A. a democracy when it is a Republic, just makes the rest of the video questionable. Here I was hoping to learn something from a reliable source.. :(

[@carolynlois7232]

Is it not a democratic republic?

[@justinguillaume7986]

It is a Republic hints "to the REPUBLIC for which it stands"

[@carolynlois7232]

But the inalienable rights for these corporations that you're claiming are held in the Constitution are subverting the rights of the people, for which it was meant to serve. Plus, why would you favor economic prosperity of large corporations over things like environmental sustainability? Chasing money ain't no life.

[@Bravo97779]

Carolyn Lois yeah... you just described a Republic. If you believe your own statement than you are opposing the views of a democracy.

[@Bravo97779]

Carolyn Lois you sound like a college student to say such a thing..

[@kotaowens6978]

Bernie. Sanders.

[@NathanHowardOregon]

This video is so ridiculously good. Nice work storyofstuff

[@frozenaorta]

@goldhedge As I just said, democracy is simply a system of governing which can be employed by many types of government. We do employ it here: it's how we elect officials. The U.S. is a republic, but to be more specific, we are a democratic republic. It's not debatable. So specifically, to state we are a democracy is not a lie.

[@donw8552]

Yes! We have to get rid of Citizens United. Thank you for this video!

[@IvanBunny]

I think the sentiment of this presentation is a good one. It's true that corporations should not have the ability to shovel limitless cash into the campaigns. But you'll never get the majority of the public to listen to you if you talk down to them like a bunch of 5 year olds.

[@AshManXP]

Watching this for the first time in 2024, feeling frustrated with how far our country has fallen, and then realizing this video was from 13 years ago, at the point of writing. How far we've come yet how little we've achieved. In fact we've gone backwards!

[@smearedyam]

I wish I had more thumbs to upvote this. Thanks for a clear video laying this out.

[@orlandomarquez7872]

Child support under the Title IV-D program is a huge profit generator for "stakeholders". This case is EXCELLENT in stopping the child support "INCEPNTIVE PAYMENTS TO STATES".

[@green25459]

We are a republic so the rights of all not just the majority are protected

[@Dambro2011]

Amen. It's like having an abusive man beat his girlfriend but at the end of the day her coming to the conclusion that in order for him to stop beating her, the guy needs to check her phone everyday, take from her purse to buy her things she may not want because it's in her "best interest" (like lamps and.....idk, licorice or something), and make sure she doesn't make a bad decision ever. Oh he won't physically beat her anymore, but he gets to do all those things.

[@samsmallarz1112]

Actually though, Citizens United, the main antagonist of this video, is a nonprofit organization, not a for-profit corporation...

[@armadilloross]

It’s not a corporation so…?

[@davidkuhn7003]

Democrats and Republicans both agree at 61%, that feeling connected to my friends, family, and community is important (1). Social Civility is important to community, we know this is true. We also agree our politicians, driven by a corrupt system, are not all acting civil. We have a higher purpose, connected as American citizens to amend our system, remove the motivation for corruption, and return Civility. Wolf-Pac

[@PhilospherDjPsychologist24]

5:39 First amendment also meant that all voices were equal, so for one "person's" voice to have that much power would imply that the voices of other citizens aren't equal to some because the rules of the structure of the government, and would go against the idea of "all men are created equal"

[@shaneabbott3466]

Error in video at 3:47 -- There is a common belief that corporate directors have a legal duty to maximize corporate profits and “shareholder value” - To quote the U.S. Supreme Court opinion in the recent Hobby Lobby case: “Modern corporate law does not require for-profit corporations to pursue profit at the expense of everything else, and many do not.” The law says no such thing, and the market is driven by voluntary participation. You vote with your dollars just like you vote with your ballot.

[@quitejaded]

I usually do not agree with this woman, but I think she's right on this one... I don't think corporations should be given citizen's rights. They should protect the owners from personal bankruptcy, and that is it.

[@hornsofdavid]

This video is an excellent example of a valid argument that is rendered weak by not noticing the opposition. If a corporation donates money in excess to a campaign, it's hurting its ability to make as much profit as possible. If shareholders don't like where money is going then they can sell their stock, making their decision to maintain part of the company's board FREE SPEECH. Corporations have even gone to Congress, urging them to restrict the amount of money they can use for electioneering.

[@AmandaMagick]

YES. I am sharing this everywhere even G+ . The truth has to get out every way we can.

[@divineoblivion1]

@mortalisk I am not advocating that they have violent means on the masses. As for those in power, they exist as though they have the right to do whatever they please, which is considerably wrong. Just because they are made up of people doesn't mean that they are, that is a huge difference. Allowing easier revenues for them to preform such measures does not fix the problem. The group interests that you stated before would be drowned by the voices of corporations, going back to the status quo.