1stRambo
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Yo, Anti-free speech amendment dies a quick death in North Dakota House, but why was it there?
By Rob Port / March 16, 2015 / No Comments
By Rob Port | Watchdog.org North Dakota Bureau
Photo courtesy of ND.gov
FREE SPEECH: A proposed amendment to the state constitution limiting speech rights for corporations or “any for profit entity” died in the Legislature, but why was it there in the first place?
BISMARCK, N.D. — At times the business of governing can seem like a zany affair. The theatrics can be wacky, and the cast of characters more like caricatures than level-headed political leaders.
The posturing and gamesmanship can often leave observers with the feeling that what’s taking place in the halls of power isn’t really all that serious.
That perception is folly. Policymakers, for all their pomposity and vainglorious campaigning, wield an awesome sort of power. Even a few subtle lines of code garnering the right number of votes and approvals can have a devastating impact on society.
Case in point, HCR3050 introduced by state Rep. Ben Hanson, D-Fargo, and state Sen. Tyler Axness, D-Fargo. If passed, this constitutional amendment would have made it illegal for any “corporation or other for-profit institution” to “influence the outcome of an election, any legislation, or other government policy through the use of aggregate resources or by rewarding or repaying employees or directors to exert such influence.”
The resolution died a quick death in the state House, the more conservative of our two state-level legislative bodies. It was introduced on Feb. 24 and killed March 12 on a party line 18-70 vote. Not a single Democrat rose to speak in favor of the legislation, leading me to believe the intent of the resolution wasn’t so much passage but political vandalism. Something for Democrats to tout to their liberal base during campaign season.
Anti-free speech amendment dies a quick death in North Dakota House but why was it there - Watchdog.org
"GO TEA PARTY"
"OBAMA SUCKS"
By Rob Port / March 16, 2015 / No Comments
By Rob Port | Watchdog.org North Dakota Bureau
Photo courtesy of ND.gov
FREE SPEECH: A proposed amendment to the state constitution limiting speech rights for corporations or “any for profit entity” died in the Legislature, but why was it there in the first place?
BISMARCK, N.D. — At times the business of governing can seem like a zany affair. The theatrics can be wacky, and the cast of characters more like caricatures than level-headed political leaders.
The posturing and gamesmanship can often leave observers with the feeling that what’s taking place in the halls of power isn’t really all that serious.
That perception is folly. Policymakers, for all their pomposity and vainglorious campaigning, wield an awesome sort of power. Even a few subtle lines of code garnering the right number of votes and approvals can have a devastating impact on society.
Case in point, HCR3050 introduced by state Rep. Ben Hanson, D-Fargo, and state Sen. Tyler Axness, D-Fargo. If passed, this constitutional amendment would have made it illegal for any “corporation or other for-profit institution” to “influence the outcome of an election, any legislation, or other government policy through the use of aggregate resources or by rewarding or repaying employees or directors to exert such influence.”
The resolution died a quick death in the state House, the more conservative of our two state-level legislative bodies. It was introduced on Feb. 24 and killed March 12 on a party line 18-70 vote. Not a single Democrat rose to speak in favor of the legislation, leading me to believe the intent of the resolution wasn’t so much passage but political vandalism. Something for Democrats to tout to their liberal base during campaign season.
Anti-free speech amendment dies a quick death in North Dakota House but why was it there - Watchdog.org
"GO TEA PARTY"
"OBAMA SUCKS"
