Let us use our newly regained freedom to speak out loudly in the 2010 elections, to replace those legislators, governors, and judges who would ignore our Constitution, with those who will strive to follow it, as it was written, and amended. |
The text and purpose of the First Amendment point in the same direction: Congress may not prohibit political speech, even if the speaker is a corporation or union." | – | Chief Justice John Roberts |
by John Gaudio,
The first Amendment to the US Constitution reads "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
McCain-Feingold attempted to muzzle the voice of the people, by restricting our ability speak publicly as individuals, groups, and corporations. What is scary is the fact that this decision was by the slimmest margin possible. Five to four.
Was the unconstitutional abridgement of our freedom of speech, in the presidential election of 2008, a significant part of the reason that President Obama was elected? I think it was. Did President Obama's election make possible the appointment of one of the most liberal Justices currently on the Supreme Court? Of that there is no question.
The Constitution of the United States is not a "Living Document." It is a brilliantly constructed contract defining the relationship of the people of the United States, and our government. Within it there are provisions for the people to amend our Constitution, and it is through those provisions, and those provisions only, that our Constitution can legitimately be changed.
This ruling is a victory for all who believe in the principles laid down in our Constitution, and all who swear to uphold that Constitution. Let us use our newly regained freedom to speak out loudly in the 2010 elections, to replace those legislators, governors, and judges who would ignore our Constitution, with those who will strive to follow it, as it was written, and amended. Let us also speak loudly, in the 2012 elections, to replace President Obama with a strong conservative who also believes in the Constitution as written and amended, and who will honor the presiential oath to "...preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." |
