(see Executive Council Documents for related info).
WHEREAS, government of, by and For The People has long been a cherished American value and legal foundation; and
WHEREAS, free and fair elections are essential to democracy and effective self-governance; and
WHEREAS, “persons” are rightfully recognized as human beings whose essential needs include clean air, clean water, and safe and secure food; and
WHEREAS, corporations are not and have never been human beings; and therefore are rightfully subservient to human beings and governments as our legal creations; and
WHEREAS, it is the inherent right of large corporations are often in direct conflict with the essential needs and rights of human beings; and
WHEREAS, The Olympia City Council believes that local legislation which embodies the fundamental interests of the community, including, without limitation, the Declaration of Independence’s provision that governments are instituted to secure the rights of people, and the Washington State Constitution’s recognition that “all political power is inherent in the People;” and
WHEREAS, the Olympia City Council believes that local legislation which embodies the fundamental interests of the community is mandated by the doctrine of the consent of the governed; and
WHEREAS, communities across our nation are joining forces to call for an Amendment to the Constitution to Abolish Corporate Personhood;
Therefore, be it Resolved,
The City of Olympia hereby calls upon the Washington State Legislature and the United States Congress to initiate steps to amend the United States Constitution with provisions that clearly state that:
1) Corporations are not human beings, and only human beings are endowed with Constitutional rights.
2) Contributions and expenditures for political purposes are not Constitutionally-protected speech. Therefore regulating political contributions and spending is not equivalent to limiting political speech.
3) Congress and the States shall have the power to regulate contributions and expenditures for campaigns and ballot measures, and to require public disclosure of the sources of such contributions and expenditures.
Be it further Resolved,
That a true, correct and complete copy of the Resolution be transmitted promptly to the President of the United States, to members of the US Congress from Washington State’s Governor, and all members of the Washington State Legislature; and also submitted to local media outlets.
