About that Supreme Court Decision

During the summer of 2009, some people kept asking of the Tea Party Movement, "Why are you shouting?".

Those asking never understood that we had repeatedly asked politely but were ignored. We wrote emails; we phoned; we attended meetings and raised our hands. No one was interested in answering our questions. Finally, we started shouting! It is simple. If your quiet voice is ignored, you are inclined to make it a little louder.

We are guaranteed, by the Bill of Rights, the right to speak out. Nothing is said about how quietly or how loudly we speak. The right to speak is guaranteed.

Now, suppose you shout as loudly as possible, and are still ignored. Is it okay to reach for a megaphone? Or, a bigger megaphone?

Suppose you and a group of like-minded individuals decide on a really, really big megaphone... you pool your resources, hire a firm of lobbyists and buy a series of TV and print ads touting your position? Is that okay? Nothing in the Constitution hints that it is not okay... but various politicians have decided to make that illegal. And, we were gifted with such legislation as McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform.

They could not say it would be okay if only we hired a lesser lobbyist, or bought a few less ads. So they say, as an example, if your group is a corporation you are restricted in what you say, when and how loudly you may say it. After all, a corporation is something that almost all of us are decidedly not. And, the American Public has been taught that corporations are evil.

Those of us with empty pockets and small voices, may be upset when the views espoused by this or that group are contrary to our own. But, I ask, do you believe in the Constitution or do you not? Should we re-write the First Amendment to read "Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech with which we agree - but damn well better shut up those other guys."?

I have heard a lot of speech with which I disagreed, speech supporting or condemning politics, religion, or social practices. But, always and always, I have sworn to uphold your right to make that speech, no matter how loudly you are able to make it.

Because, above all, I want to retain my right to speak my views, even in a small and mostly ignored voice.

I am so thankful to the Supreme Court of The United States for their recent decision in this matter.

Long live freedom of speech!