Corporate influence destroyed U.S. politics
Thank you to the editors of the Orlando Sentinel for printing Sonali Kolhatkar’s guest commentary on ending corporate influence in politics. Several states, most notably Hawaii and Montana, are redefining corporations as entities that will no longer be allowed to spend money on elections anywhere in their states.
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Citizens United, the Supreme Court ruling in 2010 that granted corporations legal personhood, opened the flood gates for corporations and unions to contribute unlimited funds to candidates and their causes. Waiting in the wings were companies like Duke Energy, NextEra (FPL), US Sugar and far too many more to list.
I believe the political corruption we see today is a direct result of Citizens United. When I read Sunday’s commentary, I got excited. I thought this redefinition of what a corporation can and can’t spend on elections is a way to end corporate influence. Change is on the way!
But I had to wake up from that dream. Florida is solidly red. There is no chance Florida lawmakers would ever consider taking steps to end corporate funding. Without corporate funding, they wouldn’t have a job. We all know by now that corporations run this state, and that the lawmakers we choose are their pawns.
I fear nothing will change until we elect a Legislature that acts on behalf of the people, not corporations.
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— Violet Irminger, Mount Dora
Uncle Lou and the rule of law
Saturday’s editorial regarding the voluntary deportation of Uncle Lou (“Uncle Lou is the face in a tide of terror and loss”), raises the question, “Is the Sentinel Editorial Board for the rule of law or not?” Half of the opinion piece praises the efforts and contributions of Uncle Lou, all of which are certainly laudable. It is then the board’s position that given Uncle Lou’s “goodness,” the fact that he has been accused of selling liquor despite having only a beer and wine license and overstayed a temporary work visa issued in 1987, in violation of the law, should be overlooked. I’m curious what other laws the board is willing to overlook for perceived “good behavior.” It is this very attitude of exempting people from the law that has led to further and further erosion of a civil society. If you do not like a law, vote to change it rather than excuse it and not prosecute it.
— Mark W. Needham, Clermont
UFC fights are signs of a bigger problem
Instead of leaving the UFC ring on the South Lawn of the White House, why doesn’t Donald Trump just go ahead and build a new Roman Colosseum and make tunnels for lions and leopards to battle gladiators to the death? He could have toga parties and have his enemies thrown out in the arena. Really, people, is this what our founding fathers envisioned for our 250th anniversary at the People’s House? What is wrong here? Many, many things. Allegations of corruption, fraud, insider trading, cronyism, loss of competent intelligence and reckless actions including a new war. Not to mention inflation, loss of jobs and a K-shaped economic projection. Do what is right this year and vote Republicans out of office. I have a bumper sticker on my car that says “If you care, then vote.” Get one for your car, too. God help us all.
— Joy Putnam, Daytona Beach
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