Calling on Colbert

You Streeters nationwide enjoyed Stephen Colbert's take on the Citizens United vs. FEC case last week (see clip below). And then they took action, inviting Mr. Colbert out to Senator Alan Simpson's Wyoming ranch for a discussion about the solution that public funding provides.

You can sign on with the Senator or write your own invitation to Stephen Colbert and help bring the spotlight of Colbert Nation to the fight for publicly funded elections.

Here for your enjoyment are some of our favorite invites from members.

Dear Stephen,
I'm a Deputy Attorney General in West Virginia. I always love your
show, but was REALLY pleased when you told people about the
questionable legal history whereby corporations became "persons" with
constitutional rights. It certainly changed the course of history.
It is weird that two comedy shows -- yours and John Stewart's -- are
also possibly changing the course of history. You dig out more archived
footage than any of the "real" news shows. Thanks to you and John, many
young people learn about who's who and what's what.
Go to Wyoming. Show us your chaps. Simpson's home on the range may help
get election change. Otherwise, we'll just keep getting railroaded.
Debra H.
West Virginia

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Dear Stephen,

Go visit the Senator and enlighten him on the notion of sarcasm. Brilliant piece, keep up the great work!!!

A. Levine

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Dear Stephen,
Senator Simpson and I have not agreed often over the last number of
years, however on campaign finance reform we agree 200%. Please take to
heart what the Senator has to say. Darrel R.

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Dear Stephen,
For a green Greenie (trans.: CO environmentalist) it's unsettling to
agree about anything with the estimable Senator to the North.
Why not invite his neighbor, Mr. Cheney, to sit in, or even referee? By
the way, you'll want to come before winter sets in, which gives you
about a ten-day window.
Cheers,
Dave C.

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Dear Stephen,
Senator Simpson has been in support of publicly financed elections, as
part of a REALLY bi-partisan group of former legislators for years now,
and deserves your time. I appreciate your work on behalf of corporate
"personhood",and believe a visit to his ranch would be extremely
worthwhile. You could even get into some banter about Wyoming's claims
to the Buffalo Bill legacy from the turn of the century. (Several
states laid claim to Buffalo Bill when he died, and he is buried here
in Colorado, just outside of Denver, not in Wyoming).
Please seriously consider what follows, from Senator Simpson. I truly
believe that Senator Simpson is an old fashioned Republican Senator,
one that truly cares about our country.

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Dear Stephen,
What better place than Wyoming to debate letting Freedom KaChing? I
would love to see you accept Sen. Simpson's invitation. Hope to see you
there!
Carol C.
Ft. Collins, Colorado

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A major point to note is that each of us citizens do have a vote, and the
ability to contribute to political campaigns. Corporations, as
entities, can contribute as well - all legal. How-ever, as a member of
the board of a corporation, this will mean that I have two strokes at
campaign financing! Further, corporates spend billions, yes, billions,
in lobbying. This then means that corporations have an over-arching
influence on our democracy!

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Dear Stephen,
This sounds like a fun, free trip for you! Senator Simpson doesn't
exactly say that he'll pick up the tab at those watering-holes, but he
seems like a nice enough guy. So why not give him a visit? It would be
a good segment for you show, too, that Futterman's bathing costume
& all. Love your show!
Theresa K
Long Branch, NJ

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Were it in my power, I would make ALL elections publicly funded in their
entirety. We have already devolved - long ago - to the point of the old
saying, "the best government money can buy" (though the argument can
easily be made that a refund is in order).
This is only way to create a level playing field, such that positions
articulated and demeanor presented are the criteria for selection by
the electorate - rather than who can outspend whom attacking their
opponent (often with misleading, indeed false, assertions and
innuendos).
"Government of the people, by the people and for the people" has become
one of, by and for the corporations. This is both grotesque, as well as
a clear and ever-growing mortal threat to our democratic republic.
Very truly yours,
A.J.