FREE SPEECH ZONE | Ode to ALEC

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a national network of state politicians and corporations, has existed for more than forty years with its original purpose to increase corporate profit.  Comprised of 99% Republicans and 1% Democrats, as well as hundreds of corporations, ALEC has come under increased scrutiny due to its controversial “model” bills that include “Stand Your Ground” gun laws, anti-worker legislation, and voter suppression.   

On November 6, Minnesotans will vote on a voter restriction amendment that requires photo ID.  In light of that proposed amendment, I would like to poetically unveil the shroud of secrecy that ALEC has enjoyed until recently. 

Ode to ALEC

Republican led and corporate fed

ALEC-inspired bills are bred

State-by-state they’re widely spread

And the American public is greatly misled

With tax-exempt status and money galore

Corporate lobbyists yell for more

Hundreds of bills leave ALEC doors

Landing on dozens of legislative floors

Once ALEC’s existence was largely unknown

Its secretive cover has recently been blown

“Stand your Ground” gun laws have resoundingly shown

ALEC’s efforts beyond the corporate tax zone

Once limited to corporate loopholes and tax reform

ALEC’s focus expanded wanting states to conform

To a right-wing agenda that meets certain norms

So scores of corporations defected shunning the Koch brothers’ platform

ALEC’s accusations of rampant voter fraud

Have captured our attention and are seriously flawed

Research shows this fraud doesn’t exist and so this façade

Should cease to exist as well as its Fraud Squad

ALEC members of our state clamor for voter protection

And a constitutional amendment that makes no exceptions

Citing a need for photo identification

Disenfranchising thousands and creating voter suppression

On photo ID voters shouldn’t be misled

Once learning the facts they will instead

Vote No to an amendment that is ALEC-led

Protecting voters’ rights now and in years ahead