The Importance of the Democracy for All Amendment, with American Promise Director of Political Strategy Ben Gubits

A 28th Amendment, the Democracy for All Amendment, has been proposed in Congress by a bipartisan group of lawmakers. The amendment, also known as H.J. Res 2, establishes that corporations are not people and money is not speech, allowing Congress and the states to put limits on campaign spending. In an interview on Rising Up with Sonali, American Promise Director of Political Strategy Ben Gubits discusses the importance of the amendment.

American Promise Director of Political Strategy Ben Gubits says building support for the recently reintroduced Democracy for All Amendment is crucial to restoring American Democracy. The implications of passing the amendment through Congress and ratifying it are wide ranging, affecting issues such as partisan gerrymandering, climate change, and income and wealth inequality.

The bill was introduced by Democratic Representatives Ted Deutch of Florida, Jim McGovern of Massachusetts and Jamie Raskin of Maryland, as well as Republican Representative John Katko of New York. American Promise will work to grow Congressional support through grassroots action and organizing throughout 2019.

While the amendment faces stiff opposition from wealthy special interests and corporations, Americans of all political persuasions have shown support for such an amendment through various polls. In the interview, Gubits says he is confident that this cross-partisan pressure will push more lawmakers, both Democratic and Republican, to support the amendment in Congress. Watch the full interview here: http://bit.ly/2sebLaH.

Showing our support for the Democracy for All Amendment is crucial to its success. Sign our petition to tell Congress that you want a government which represents everyone, not just ultra-wealthy donors. Read the full text of the amendment below. Sign the petition here: https://bit.ly/2VuT4gl.

Full text of the Democracy for All Amendment:

Section I. To advance democratic self-government and political equality, and to protect the integrity of government and the electoral process, Congress and the States may regulate and set reasonable limits on the raising and spending of money by candidates and others to influence elections.

Section II. Congress and the States shall have power to implement and enforce this article by appropriate legislation, and may distinguish between natural persons and corporations or other artificial entities created by law, including by prohibiting such entities from spending money to influence elections.

Section III. Nothing in this article shall be construed to grant Congress or the States the power to abridge the freedom of the press.