As we stumble further into the nether Randian regions of amoral behavior pushed by the apathetic rich, given such "voice" by the Citizens United outrage, it should be noted that corporations are persons only when it benefits them.
A funny thing happened to corporations when they became people: they sprang to life with very little personal responsibility. They appear in their monstrous glory, supporting right wing nuts or tone deaf blue dogs, but pay taxes far less than the people they devour. These corporate zombies decry unions and mislead idiots, but have become the supernatural embodiment of Republican Welfare Queens. Corporations now pay a lower tax rate than anytime in history--this post bail out and post outsourcing. Corporate taxes as a percentage of GNP hover at about 1.25%. The financial industry and the oil companies pay taxes at a rate about 13-percent below average taxpayers. Indeed, the incredibly profit-rich oil "industry"--extracting oil from American wells or redistributing oil from elsewhere at a huge premium, pays only about 11.3% in taxes.
Here's a modest proposal at creating a budget surplus: if corporations are people, they must pay taxes at the same base percentage as an American taxpayer. And good luck with that sales tax, state tax, municipal fees and burdensome property tax responsibility that the little people also pay. If an irresponsible corporation is allowed to defame teachers and union workers thru their distorted Fox megaphone, by God they can pay the same taxes as the American people or shut the Hell up. As the Tea Party chants in unison, "Freedom isn't free!"--nor should it be available at a gross discount. So, Koch Industries, you can write us large check on your way out. . .