The day democracy died

The Supreme Court with their decision in McCutcheons vs. FEC, to strike down limits on how much one individual can pour into political campaigns, has killed our cherished democracy. An earlier decision in Citizens United, which allowed corporations unlimited campaign expenditures, was the first salvo against democracy and now it will allow the wealthy few to give even more money directly to candidates running for federal office. A government ruled by the wealthy few is not the way democracy was intended to be. Our founding fathers said, “By the people, for the people”; not, by the wealthy for the wealthy.

Now is the time to take back our government from the takeover of the oligarchs (see Russian government) and bring forth a constitutional amendment to overturn the court and reclaim our democracy. And while we are at it, it is time to impeach those on the court, with their rulings, who are subverting our democracy.

This is not a right-left, conservative-liberal issue, this is our democracy that is in danger and affects all of us. It will be interesting to see how the libertarians and conservatives respond to this ruling, those who claim to defend our constitution and rights for all.

Stuart Clift

Lake Stevens

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Wednesday, Dec. 17

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Water from the Snohomish River surrounds a residence along the west side of Lowell Snohomish River Road on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Keep eye on weather and on FEMA’s future

Recent flooding should give pause to those who believe federal disaster aid is unnecessary.

Comment: Shingles vaccine might also help fend off dementia

New research is pointing to a bonus side-effect of the vaccine, leading to further research on other shots.

Harrop: When the lockdown comes in your home town

News of a shooting in Providence, R.I., and the call to lock doors, shatter one’s sense of safety.

Comment: The exclusion behind National Park System’s new fees

Free-pass days were eliminated for MLK Jr. Day and Juneteenth, while foreign tourists will pay a premium.

Comment: Trump, GOP still aren’t getting it on affordability

The Democratic response to Trump’s and the GOP’s struggles to explain their efforts is ‘please, keep talking.’

Comment: How to take Trump at his word when he changes it?

Trump has contradicted himself on release of boat-strike videos, then attacked reporters for pointing that out.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Dec. 16

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

LifeWise’s Bible classes pose no harm to students

The editorial regarding LifeWise Academy’s efforts to broaden children’s education and knowledge… Continue reading

Where’s the controversy in what LifeWise offers to students?

I read with interest the article about the Everett Public School District… Continue reading

Stephens: Sydney shooting is what ignoring antisemitism looks like

The Hanukkah massacre wasn’t incomprehensible, as the Australian prime minister said. That’s the problem.

Comment: Jewish community, Australia again swept into violent world

Bondi Beach, a century-old community, has lived alongside increasing incidents of antisemitism in the last two years.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.