MOVE TO AMEND TOUR COMING TO WV JULY 6th
National Democracy Lawyer Cobb to Visit, Speak in Charleston

West Virginians for Democracy, WV Citizen Action Group, Seneca 2, and Progressive Democrats of WV will host a community forum on “Creating Democracy and Challenging Corporate Rule” with guest speakers David Cobb and George Friday of the Move to Amend campaign. Part history lesson and part heart-felt call to action, the event will be at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 520 Kanawha Blvd West, from 7 – 9 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. FEC opened the floodgates to unlimited corporate spending on elections. Cobb, an attorney and organizer for the Move to Amend coalition will help local citizens understand the history behind the recent decision and how they can work to abolish "Corporate Personhood" and reestablish a government of, by, and for the people.

“Corporate Personhood” commonly refers to court-created precedent that gives corporations constitutional rights intended solely for human beings. “Corporate Personhood is not an inconsequential legal technicality. The Supreme Court ruled that a corporation was a ‘legal person’ with 14th Amendment protections before they granted full rights to African-Americans, immigrants, natives, or women”, states David Cobb, a spokesman for Move to Amend and an attorney helping to lead the coalition.

“We have realized a justice-driven movement,” added Friday. “It grows from the roots up, transforming citizens into effective allies who act strategically with those most affected by injustice. Move to Amend is a long-term effort to make the U.S. Constitution more democratic.”

The forum will focus on how West Virginians can participate in the national movement against Corporate Personhood. Cobb and Friday will provide information about the issue and facilitate a discussion about local action in Charleston and in communities across the United States to win the amendment campaign through grassroots mobilization.

“We are a diverse coalition with deep roots in communities nationwide. We recognize that amending the Constitution to restore the power of the people over corporations will not be easy, but we know correcting the Supreme Court is imperative to the progress of our nation,” stated Cobb.

Over 200,000 people have signed an online petition supporting a constitutional amendment at www.movetoamend.org.

The local forum will take place at the UUC, 520 Kanawha Blvd West,

on July 6 at 7 p.m., followed by a reception and refreshments.

For more information call WV-CAG at (304) 346-5891.