I agree that the decision regarding corporate campaign contributions is the real story.
Let’s hope we remove the vast majority of our representatives (D&R) and replace them with people who will put the well-being of the U.S. and it’s citizens first. Not likely, but we can hope. It’s good to see the message is getting out there. Now, we have to worry about the same masters (corporate, MIC, financial elite, etc.) putting new puppets out there and naming them “Independents.” We have to be sure the people we vote for are really who they claim to be, IMHO.[/quote]
CAR: But isn’t that our responsibility as voters? To research the candidates, do our homework and make the best decision.
I’m not claiming the SCOTUS decision is good, but I’m also not claiming its bad, either. If we’re being honest, millions upon millions of dollars are effectively “laundered” each election cycle by both Democratic and Republican candidates. Nearly $1Bn was spent on this last Presidential election and there is no way on earth that sum came solely from individual contributors.
I noticed Brian getting hysterical over on another thread (“Freedom of speech??”), but I doubt he (or anyone else here, for that matter) really researched the decision.
I spoke with a friend of mine who’s a very good attorney and who practiced in Federal court in DC for a number of years. He’s a liberal and a struct constructionist when it comes to the Constitution. His opinion was that the decision was mixed and he expressed surprise at the broad (versus narrow) interpretation of the Court. While it was an activist decision, he saw the rationale behind it, especially within the area of the First Amendment. When I pointed out the arguments about corporations freely spending and exercising undue influence, he retorted, “they already do”.
Our job as citizens is to cast an INFORMED vote. Do our research, understand the issues and the candidate(s) and vote accordingly. Once people again remember the power of that vote, things will begin to change.
