Global Ethics Corner: The Ethics of "Citizens United": Does Corporate Cash Threaten Democracy?
From: Carnegie Council
Series: Global Ethics Corner
Length: 02:05
Global Ethics Corner is a weekly 2 minute segment devoted to newsworthy ethical issues. It presents both sides of an issue, asking viewers to weigh the information and make up their own minds.
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Piece Description
Global Ethics Corner is a weekly 2 minute segment devoted to newsworthy ethical issues. It presents both sides of an issue, asking viewers to weigh the information and make up their own minds.
Transcript
On June 5, Scott Walker became the first governor in the U.S. to survive a recall election. The Wisconsin Republican defeated his Democratic rival by a decisive 7 percent margin.
Walker's victory delivered a painful punch to Democrats, and an even bigger blow to Wisconsin unions. Since taking office, Walker has cracked down on organized labor.
The recall election was labor's chance for payback, offering Wisconsin voters a rare opportunity to unseat Walker.
The question analysts are asking is: Why? For many, the answer lies with the Supreme Court's 2010 decision known as Citizens United. This controversial case gave corporations and unions free reign to spend lavishly on U.S. elections. The Court argued that efforts to limit such spending violated the constitutional right of free speech.
Critics say Citizens United will lead to a corporate takeover of American democracy, and point to...
Read the full transcript
Additional Credits
Deborah Carroll – Executive Producer
Marlene Spoerri – Contributing Writer
Julia Kennedy - Content Editor
Robert Smithline - Editor
Terence Hurley - Editor
Gusta Johnson - Production Assistant
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