Influence of special interests on government focus of Feb. 18 Occupy Rockford forum

Online Staff Report

The Occupy Rockford movement will hold a public forum beginning at 2 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, in the community room at Rockford Public Library’s East Branch, 6685 E. State St.

The forum will discuss the influence of well-financed special interests over American politics and government.

Following is a description of the event included in a press release from Occupy Rockford:

“Representatives have become so dependent on campaign cash they end up ‘representing’ the funders instead of their constituents. Is this what representative democracy is about?

“Politicians on both sides of the isle say no. U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and former governor and current GOP presidential candidate Buddy Roemer have both spoken out strongly against SuperPACs, the FEC and the status quo.

“Opposition to the current system from the left is abundant as well, with Constitutional amendments related to overturning portions of the Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court ruling being sponsored by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt.

“Options are available to realize a system where the needs and ideas of the many aren’t drowned out by the influence of the wealthy few. But it will take strong action on the part of the American people to bring it about.”

For more about the event, visit www.occupyrockford.org or contact Elizabeth Lindquist at (815) 543-6666 or elizabeth@occupyrockford.org.

Posted Feb. 17, 2012