Both liberals and conservatives, while in control of Congress, have demonstrated a knack for reforms that limit free speech. In 2004, GOP lawmakers tried to limit the ability of liberal-minded groups to criticize President George W. Bush. Meanwhile, groups ranging from Common Cause to U.S. PIRG have taken in millions of dollars in “soft contributions” while decrying the very same types of money accepted by politicians or political parties.

 

That’s why the Center for Competitive Politics has worked with libertarians (Institute for Justice) and liberals (ACLU) to “combat the notion that if Members of Congress shut everyone else up to give themselves monopolistic control of the debate in elections, a utopian democracy free of corruption will sprout from the ashes of our flawed constitutional republic,” writes Patch.

 

Patch insists any real, meaningful change to campaigns must be founded on the basic principle that everyone—“no matter if the speakers are billionaires or busboys”—have the same rights under the First Amendment.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Grass(Roots) Dies When Sun Shines Too Brightly (by Jeff Patch, Daily Caller)