Until Death Do Us Part
On the anniversary of Citizens United vs. the FEC, this was so appropriate.
Today I had the opportunity to meet three candidates for office, one for congress and two for judge, while sitting in a cafe waiting to talk to my state rep, Ann Williams. As I sat alone at a table just observing, the candidates came to introduce themselves at which point I asked them to sit at my table for two. Once seated, I asked them why I should vote for them. After they gave me their usual spin, I asked two questions. The first drew an interesting reply from one of the candidates for judge.
I asked, "Is a corporation really a person?". He pretty much summed it this way. They do have certain rights, but should they be given personhood in a way that unduly influences the outcomes of elections?
Then I asked, "Given that a corporation is considered a person, can I propose to AT&T and get married?" The judge laughed.
He asked why I would I want to do that. My simple reply, "I could then end the marriage based upon mental anguish and collect a nice alimony and retire."
The candidate asked how I could even marry a corporation. "Well, all I need to do is find one stockholder. That person is considered an owner to whom the CEO is beholdened."
The candidate looked at me and basically said law is complicated and when legislators make law they never can forsee all of the possible ramifications of law, thus they come before the courts. He thought I made an interesting point and suggested I reconsidered a marriage with a coporation because they can be quite abusive.
Maybe I should reconsider. After talking to many friends who work for corporations, I can't seem to find one who says it's a wonderful relationship.