"Our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." -Abraham Lincoln
As a foundational value of American democracy, equality is fundamental to our nation’s government. The United States is heralded as a symbol of freedom on the global stage and as a nation that guarantees civil liberties for its citizens. When those with concentrated wealth are allowed to use it without limits to influence the outcomes of our elections and legislation, we undermine this essential quality of our nation.
Alan LaPolice: Big Money Fuels Hyperpartisanship
Equality Under the Law
History has shown that equality in America is often more of an ideal than a reality for vast segments of the population. By ensuring that every American’s voice counts equally regardless of their amount of wealth, the For Our Freedom amendment would move us one step closer toward true equality.
Voices of Equality
“If the Negro knows enough to pay taxes to support government, he knows enough to vote; taxation and representation should go together. If he knows enough to shoulder a musket and fight for the flag for the government, he knows enough to vote…What I ask for the Negro is not benevolence, not pity, not sympathy, but simply justice.”
Frederick Douglass, 1865
“Women are taking leading roles in both the push for the American Promise Amendment to end unlimited political spending and the push for the Equal Rights Amendment.”
American Promise Leadership Gifts Officer CORINNE NOONAN
“As a young person, something I hear from other young people is how many of us believe that politics is a rigged game. The influence of money shows us why issues like affordable housing, student debt, and climate change fail to get addressed.”
JEFFREY CLEMMONS, student at Huston-Tillotson college, Austin, TX