Some have compared the recent Citizens United ruling at the U.S. Supreme Court which held that corporations have the same rights of free speech to try and independently influence elections in our country as real people do, to the Dred Scott Ruling a hundred and fifty years ago. Let us hope that this comparison is valid in a few ways, but not others.

The Dred Scott ruling held that people of African descent were not protected by the Constitution. Within a few years, the United States was embroiled in a Civil War that led to the end of slavery. Let us work together to make sure that the Citizens United ruling will lead to an end of undue political influence of corporations, but hopefully, without a civil war.

The ruling has drawn close attention in Connecticut where the Citizens Election Program, a program designed to fight against undue political influence of political insiders is also in the courts.

Today, Zogby Internation released a poll showing that 79% of people polled in Connecticut support the Citizens' Election Program. In addition, “41 percent indicated they would be less likely to vote for a politician who voted against updating the popular program. “

Beyond fixing the current issues with the program and making sure that it is properly funded, State Representatives are discussing ways to limit the effect of the Citizens United ruling. State Representative Bob Godfrey has suggested that we:

apply the same requirements to corporate ads as we do to everyone else. For example: the ad must include a disclaimer by the CEO that "Paid for by XYZ Corporation. I'm CEO Smith, and the shareholders have approved of this ad." The shareholders (owners of the company) would have had to done exactly that, too.

While this won’t completely erase the negative effects of the Citizens United decision, it is a step in the right direction. Another step in the right direction is to support the Fair Elections Now Act, sponsored by Rep. John Larson of Connecticut.

Some legislators have commented about not hearing from their constituents about this issue. They compare the lack of apparent outcry to the vast concerns raised about marriage equality. This is a false comparison. Marriage equality goes to fundamental beliefs about religion and equality and is a hot button issue for many. It is an unfortunate fact, that many people take their religious obligations much more seriously than their civic obligations. Yet the underlying message stands firm. We must contact our legislators to get them to fix the Citizens Election Program and make sure it is properly funded. We must also speak with our family, friends and neighbors to help them understand the importance of defending our democracy from undue influence of the wealthy and well connected.

(Cross-posted at MyLeftNutmeg.)