Tell Congress: No NRA EXEMPTION from campaign disclosure act!!

[nashville_brook]

Following on reporting this that the Disclosure Act will get a second chance when the Senate reconvenes, it looks like Obama might be getting into the fray, warning today of a "corporate takeover of democracy." Lord knows we can't let that happen!

As the debate heats up, savvy Dems need to be aware that what's currently on the table has a completely bizarre and unacceptable carve-out for NRA -- exempting them from any disclosure provisions.

I applaud President Obama along with Charles Schumer who authored the bill. It is indeed vital that we don't allow corporations to take over the country by subverting the political process with direct buying off of judges and lawmakers. And I further say that this is so important, that we can't weaken bill by making special carve-outs for the uber-powerful...in this case, the NRA.

Just something to keep in mind as this develops.


http://news.firedoglake.com/2010/08/16/report-disclose-act-will-get-another-vote-in-senate/

The DISCLOSE Act would increase transparency in campaign spending by corporations and unions, and also ban such spending from government contractors, TARP recipients and foreign entities or foreign-owned subsidiaries. The bill includes a special exemption for the NRA and other large organizations that would obviate them of the need for donor disclosure, which has riled pro-gun control Senate Democrats like Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ). But the report argues that Feinstein and Lautenberg will agree to support cloture (as they did on July 27), and then vote their conscience on final passage. So passage really does come down to the New England Three. And I don’t think just delaying implementation will necessarily be determinative.

(might be nice to give Difi and Lautenberg a ringy-dingy and let them know you appreciate their support of a truly democratic disclosure law -- brook)

[nashville_brook]

1. for the Unrec'ers -- do you think that it's good that the NRA has a special exemption?

b/c that's perfectly fine. DU has a lively GUN community here. but know that you can't have democracy where there's special treatment given to pet organizations. this legislation is meaningless without being justly applied to all across the board.

that's just my opinion -- so lets hear yours.

[gtar100]

2. That they would even consider *any* exemption exposes the corruption.

Transparency should mean complete transparency. No one, not one group, should have special immunity. It only begs the question - why!

I hate what has become of our government. The individuals who play games like this with our money and our lives are to blame. That goes for those both inside and outside our government. They want influence but do all they can to hide in the shadows, which means they know what they are doing is wrong. They are motherfuckers. And I mean that literally.

[seattleblue]

3. Agreed there should be no exemption for the Humane Society, AARP or the NRA.

Those groups were also granted an exemption. Why just mention the NRA?

[nashville_brook]

4. that's what's mentioned in the googling i did, and it prolly reflects the big=important

editorial stance of the publications. all the articles i saw mentioned NRA and "other groups." so, good info.

[villager]

5. Those other groups got exemptions *after* they got wind of the NRA deal

...but all along, this was an "NRA break."

[seattleblue]

6. They didn't turn it down now did they?

They are just as guilty. If someone murders and gets away with it am I allowed that "break" also?

[villager]

8. nor is the "first" murderer less guilty because others do it afterwards...

The larger point is that non of this would have happened... if not for the NRA.

[msongs]

7. NRA = right to keep and bear politicians. black + president = massive gun sales nt

[LAGC]

9. What about Unions?

Should they have to disclose?

I think there's a difference between advocacy organizations like SEIU and the NRA and actual corporations (the real special interests).