Pasadena protest takes aim at Citizens United

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_19788570

By Brian Charles, Staff Writer Posted: 01/20/2012 10:37:49 PM PSTFred Fox of Glendale and members of Occupy Democracy-Pasadena gather Friday in front of Pasadena Superior Courtand the Pasadena Central Branch Library. (Sarah Reingewirtz / Staff Photographer)PASADENA - Nearly two years after the controversial Supreme Court decision that loosened restrictions on campaigncontributions for corporations, some Pasadena residents voiced their opposition to the court ruling Friday anddemanded change.The protest by Occupy Democracy-Pasadena kicked off two days of demonstrations.Another protest is planned from noon to 3 p.m. today at Raymond Avenue and Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena.Protestors held signs deriding the decision that they say equates corporations with people."I think corporations are one of the biggest evils in our country," said Joe Bautista, of Pasadena. "They have a lot of power and are exempt from prosecution and get away with things that people in this country couldn't get away with."Bautista pointed to pollution and work-based abuses of employees as examples of a corporate culture that he sees ascorrupt and bent on controlling the daily lives of Americans.The 2010 Citizens United decision allowed corporate and union money to flow freely into campaigns.SuperPacs, organizations not affiliated with candidates' campaigns, can be used as surrogates to buy advertising toattack opponents, as has been the case during the Republican presidential primary.Progressive activists said the influx of money helped propel Republicans, with their pro-business ties, to victory in the2010 midterm elections. Many said they worry that money may taint this year's elections and said Friday's protestshould prompt action by the public."The first thing we want to create is awareness in the community," said Patrick Briggs, Occupy Democracy-Pasadenaorganizer. "We also want to give people a sense that when we raise our voices other people can feel liberated to do thesame."