A rich person, acting alone, can spend unlimited amounts to support or oppose a candidate, without government interference. But the government will interfere plenty if two, or more, less wealthy people cooperate to match what the rich person spends.
Individuals who cooperate to express opinions about candidates have to consult lawyers and accountants, file reports with the government, and potentially face large fines. They will also be limited to contributions of $5,000 each, while the rich person, acting alone, bears none of these burdens, and can spend millions.
When it comes to political campaigns, one rich person has more rights than an infinite number of poor people.
The federal government has a special gang it uses to control the right of people to cooperate to express opinions about candidates. It's called the Federal Election Commission -- FEC for short.
James Leroy Wilson's one-man magazine.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The FEC vs. Free Speech
This is the latest Dispatch at Downsize DC. Excerpt:
Labels:
Downsize DC,
FEC,
free speech,
Write the Laws Act
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"When it comes to political campaigns, one rich person has more rights than an infinite number of poor people."
ReplyDeleteThat is a fantastic soundbite. Brilliant. Keep it in your records. Use it again.