Let’s restore power to ‘we, the people’
OPINION — Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912, with a state Constitution that begins with the words, “We, the people of the State of Arizona…”
Our state constitution goes on to state, “All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.”
If political power belongs to the people, should our elections be bought and paid for by a small group of powerful interests? Does unlimited election spending enhance the political voice of Arizona citizens, or does it allow concentrated wealth to exercise disproportionate political power?
Right now, unlimited outside money, including foreign-linked money, is flooding our elections. Billionaires and secretive super PACs, with no stake in our communities, are shaping our future.
Americans get it, and we're fighting back. Twenty-five states have already called for a constitutional amendment to restore the ability of Congress and the states to set reasonable limits on money in elections. This movement didn't start in Washington. It started in living rooms, town halls and letters just like this one.
September 17 commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. On Constitution Day, the best way to honor the Constitution is to strengthen it. Talk with your neighbors, contact your elected officials and urge them to help make this amendment a reality. Twenty-seven times before, we, the citizens, amended the U.S. Constitution. We can do it again.
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