Citizen Koch

Citizen Koch is a gripping 2013 documentary that digs deep into a contentious issue in American politics: corporate money's influence on electoral processes. This is a film about the corrupting influence of big money on democracy, putting a spotlight on the contentious Supreme Court ruling in the case of Citizens United vs Federal Elections Commission, which essentially legitimized unlimited campaign contributions by corporations, unions, and individuals. The decision removed stringent regulation on independent political spending, leading to an unprecedented influx of money into contemporary American politics, primarily towards the conservative wing.

The titular 'Koch' refers to the billionaire Koch brothers, David and Charles, whose copious donations to right-wing causes and candidates have heavily influenced U.S politics over the years. Their donations, branded as 'anonymous political spending,' become the pivotal point of this documentary, prompting a discourse on campaign finance laws and fundamentally questioning democratic principles. The title, therefore, represents a biting play on words, alluding to the degree to which significant donors, like the Kochts, can potentially influence democracy - leading towards a system of plutocratic rule.

The film was directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmakers Carl Deal and Tia Lessin, who have produced and directed numerous other critically acclaimed documentaries. They astonishingly portray what happens when democracy is subjected to the highest bidder and how it influences political outcomes. They explore the aftermath of the game-changing court ruling by grounding the story in specific concrete examples, reflecting the implications for everyday Americans and the overall democratic process.

One of the main threads of Citizen Koch is the examination of the 2010 gubernatorial race in Wisconsin. Scott Walker, a candidate whose election campaign was heavily supported by the Koch brothers, becomes the central figure. The resultant political turmoil in the state, including a highly contested recall effort, serves as an enriching example of the effects that money has on politics in a post-Citizens United America.

The film also focuses on certain individuals, Republicans dismayed and disenfranchised by their party’s shift toward servicing corporate interests over those of its rank and file. It showcases the stories of three middle-class Republicans in Wisconsin, who express their frustration as they see their party, under Walker, privileging the interests of big-money donors over regular citizens. Their experiences mirror the broader concern over the state of democracy, reflecting the escalating dissatisfaction across the political spectrum.

Citizen Koch doesn’t just zero in on the Koch brothers but uses them as a lens through which to examine systemic issues affecting American politics. Alongside its critiques of Citizens United and wealth’s corrupting influence, the film offers engaging historical context. The directors dive deeply into the varying effects political money can have and how it plays with the democratic process.

With its engaging storytelling and rigorous investigation, Citizen Koch serves as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved in the struggle for 'political equality,' shedding light on a grim reality that poses a direct threat to the very heart of American democracy.

Citizens Koch isn't merely a film; it's also an urgent call to action, a plea for viewers to get informed and involved. By using real-life examples of how political funding interference seeps into the democratic lack of representation, it projects a rigid system favoring the elite at the expense of the majority. In its essence, Citizen Koch is a powerful and effective tool for creating awareness, inspiring viewers to question and debate the structural integrity of America's electoral processes and its vulnerability to the influence of elite money.

Citizen Koch is a timely and profound exploration of power, money, and democracy presented within a partisan political environment. It offers a stark portrayal of American democracy, revealing a political landscape marked by unseen finance and corporate manipulation's insidious influence. This is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in understanding the intricate dynamics of contemporary American politics, corporate influence, and the state of democracy.