The Guardian Panel: Why we think Bernie Sanders is the best choice for president

[muriel_volestrangler]

2. I like the Tillman Act quote: "evils of the use of money in connection with political elections"

In 1907, when Congress passed the Tillman Act, banning all corporate contributions to candidates, the Senate Report noted: “The evils of the use of money in connection with political elections are so generally recognized that the committee deems it unnecessary to make any argument in favor of the general purpose of this measure. It is in the interest of good government and calculated to promote purity in the selection of public officials”.
...
“(I)ndependent expenditures, including those made by corporations, do not give rise to corruption or the appearance of corruption,” wrote Justice Anthony Kennedy for the majority. “That (campaign donors) may have influence over or access to elected officials does not mean that those officials are corrupt. And the appearance of influence or access will not cause the electorate to lose faith in this democracy.”

What was a consensus that didn't need explaining a century ago is now something the Supreme Court won't even think about.