Concord, Massachusetts forum on corporate personhood and defending democracy

What led up to the Citizens United decision, how will it affect elections and our democracy, and what actions can individuals take in response? To answer some of these questions, four Concord, Massachusetts community groups have organized "Democracy in the Balance: Corporate Power in Politics," a free public forum on Friday, March 19, 2010, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Trinitarian-Congregational Church, 54 Walden St., Concord, MA.

The forum will feature three experts on the issues raised by Citizens United:

• Mary Zepernick, a researcher for the Program on Corporations, Law & Democracy and a board member of the Women’s International League of Peace & Freedom, both of which filed an amicus curiae brief in Citizens United;
• Jeffrey Clements, the Concord lawyer who was counsel of record for that amicus brief; and
• John Bonifaz, constitutional lawyer, founder of the National Voting Rights Institute and legal director of Voter Action in Western Massachusetts.

The March 19th forum has several aims:

• To look at the historical highlights of government restrictions upon or expansion of corporate power since the founding of our nation;


• To explain the recent Supreme Court case and its likely impact on our democracy; and


• To explore current options for redressing the now unfettered corporate influence on elections.

After the presentations, there will be an opportunity for discussion. This free forum is open to all, and refreshments will be served.

Democracy in the Balance is co-sponsored by four community groups dedicated to educating and engaging the public: the Alliance for Democracy, North Bridge chapter; Carlisle Climate Action; ConcordCAN (Concord Climate Action Network); and the League of Women Voters of Concord- Carlisle. For more information, visit www.lwvcc.com, email DemocracyForum@lwvcc.com or call 978-369-3842.