Dear WeHo: On Constitution Day, Let’s Renew our Commitment to Self-Governance

Each year on September 17, we observe Constitution Day to honor the founding document that defines our democratic republic. One of the most serious threats to self-government today is the outsized influence of big money in our elections. Elite donors, special interest groups, and foreign and out-of-state actors have poured unprecedented sums into political campaigns, drowning out the voices of everyday Americans, and our elected leaders can’t do anything about it, given recent Supreme Court rulings. This is not what the Framers envisioned. 

I personally believe this influence of big money is a significant reason why our country is so divided today. When policy decisions are made for elite interests and not the people, many are left without infrastructure and necessary support, sowing discontent and hostility. I want our government to represent us, to end this divisive period.

Here’s the good news — the United States Constitution was designed to be amended, and that’s what we must do if we want to honor our Framer’s vision. Americans, from all backgrounds and political affiliations, must come together to support a constitutional amendment that will restore the ability of Congress and the states to set reasonable limits on campaign spending and political contributions.

The For Our Freedom Amendment, proposed by the cross-partisan organization American Promise, does just that. Twenty three states, including California, have already signaled they are ready to ratify the amendment, and called on Congress to introduce it, or one like it. We must continue to build the network of support necessary to ensure ratification of the amendment. 

On this Constitution Day, let’s fight to make sure every citizen’s voice counts. It’s time to stop elite interests from buying our elections. To learn more, visit americanpromise.net 

Sincerely,

Emily L

90046

4 1 vote
Article Rating

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

3 Comments
Newest
Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Steve Martin
Steve Martin
4 months ago

It would be nice to live in a City where public discourse is encouraged rather than sabotaged and where there is respect for diversity of opinion. The Fountain Re-Design and the defunding of the Sheriff a few years back are just the most readily available examples of how a “progressive” City undermines local democracy by not only ignoring public input, but actually thwarting it and attacking critics in the same manner as Donald Trump. I see democracy being attacked by both ends of the political spectrum, which is tragic.

Alan Strasburg
Alan Strasburg
5 months ago

The corrupting power of money in politics seethes into elections at all levels, including right here in West Hollywood where those with the biggest campaign bucks get their way in policy by buying politicians.

Angry Gay Pope
5 months ago

I say we get a Constitutional Convention for Constitution 2.0 or CA becomes its own COUNTRY!