The US Supreme Court just ruled that wealthy corporations and wealthy unions have more free speech rights than us ordinary citizens. They wrapped their decision in the mantle of the First Amendment of the US Constitution, but that doesn't help us citizens when our voices are drowned out because our interest conflicts with the interest of the fat cats.

A key focus of campaign reform legislation is to prevent moneyed interests from buying elections. The court went so far as to overturn it's own decisions as late as 2003. They were so eager to make this broad decision that they went far beyond what was needed to decide the case in front of them.

This summer and fall expect that when you try to watch your favorite TV program you will suffer through numerous political ads, mostly negative. Expect to see expertly crafted ads tailored to stir anger against any candidate that crosses moneyed interests. Unfortunately, experience teaches that these kind of ads work.

Cameron Burley