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Obama Clearly Mistaken on Foreign Corporate Influence on Elections

By The Pullins Group LLC

Chief Justice Alito was correct to mouth the words, "not true", when the President made his irresponsible and incorrect statement last night concerning the campaign finance ruling.  As the ruling clearly indicated and history clearly shows us, corporations were freely spending money on elections up until the post-Watergate campaign finance reforms of the 1970's.

Part of that campaign finance reform outlawed contributions by both foreign nationals and foreign corporations.  The recent Citizens United case does not overturn the prohibition on either foreign nationals or foreign corporations spending money on campaigns.  It was illegal before the decision, it was illegal during consideration of the decision, and it is still illegal today after the decision.

President Obama is first and foremost a lawyer.  He has an ethical obligation and a moral duty to tell the truth.  This is especially true when he is addressing the nation on an issue of law and vital public importance.

A lawyer shall not engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit or misrepresentation;

- Rule 8.4(a)4 of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct

A lawyer shall not make a statement the lawyer knows to be false or with reckless disregard as to its truth or falsity concerning the qualifications or integrity of a judge, adjudicative officer, public legal officer, or of a candidate for election or appointment to judicial or legal office.

- Rule 8.2(a) of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct

Watch the video and tell me what you think. 

Full post as published by The Pullins Report on January 28, 2010 (boomark / email).