A letter writer argues that overturning Citizens United, the U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing corporations, unions and other organizations to spend money to advocate for or against political candidates, is the solution to reducing the influence of money in politics (“All Dems must work to reverse Citizens United,” Star-Advertiser, July 11).
I disagree.
Corporations, unions, advocacy groups and individuals all play important roles in our society. Businesses create jobs, organizations represent the interests of their members and individuals have a constitutional right to participate in the political process.
The real problem isn’t who is allowed to speak, it’s that career politicians spend decades cultivating relationships with the same donors and special interests.
If we want to reduce the influence of money in Washington, Congress should focus on the constitutional amendment that could make the greatest difference: congressional term limits. Limiting years in office would weaken the power of entrenched interests, encourage fresh ideas and restore greater accountability to those elected to serve.
Phil Winter
Henderson, Nev. (formerly of Kihei, Maui)
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