The Supreme Court's Citizens United case has opened the floodgates to unlimited corporate money overwhelming democratic elections. Can't get much worse than that, can you? Well, surprisingly, yes. In fact, the potential adverse repercussions of this opinion are so bad, that it may . . . just may . . . even be possible to get obstructionist Republicans on board to take action, once they realize its true implications. Follow me below to see what I mean.
I don't need to repeat all the horrible implications of letting for-profit corporations dominate our political system (to an even greater extent than they do today). See Keith Olberman's comments here if you need it spelled out in more detail.
But it's even worse than Keith's parade of horribles. Why? Because corporations are multinational. They are controlled by their shareholders. Whoever has enough money, controls the corporation. The shareholders need not be U.S. citizens, they don't even need to be individuals; they can be anyone, any entity, anywhere in the World.
So tell me; what's to stop the government of China, say -- or Iran, or Saudi Arabia -- from buying a controlling interest in a U.S. corporation, or for that matter establishing a new corporation (as I read the decision it need not even be a U.S. corporation, but even if there were such a requirement, anyone can set up a domestic corporation) and using the virtually unlimited funds that a hostile government has at its disposal to take over our country? They wouldn't need to fire a shot. All they need to do is put enough money into strategic election contests. Saudi Arabia, say, could overwhelm even the most venal, rapacious for-profit corporation. Talk about a Manchurian candidate! It's not necessary, it could be done openly now.
Of course, it wouldn't really be so crude, at least not at the start. It's unlikely China would need to buy a U.S. President and Congress lock stock and barrel. It just needs to control our system enough to insure that no fair trade laws get enacted, or to make sure the U.S. pays a high interest rate on the debt we owe to China. A few threats to loosen the floodgates against influential members of Congress should be enough. "Hey, Chairman, be sure you don't sponsor that legislation, or we'll spend $50 million on attack ads in favor of your opponent."
Really, on reflection, I find it hard to believe even Mitch McConnell or any other Republican leaders or members would really want this, if it's spelled out this way.