Voter/Consumer Line Blurred

By Ashley Sewell

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted restrictions on corporations and unions when it comes to financial contributions for federal campaigns.  President Obama said the decision “gave a green light to a new stampede of special interest money in our politics” and other watchdog groups echoed his sentiment calling it “a blow to democracy”.

On the surface this decision by the Court is important for the conservative movement because it has peeled back a layer of government involvement.  For those who champion smaller government, this ruling should be considered a victory and, perhaps, given more attention.  Those in favor of government power want to repeal the repeal which can only be done by amending the Constitution.

Secondly, this ruling allows for a freer market.  If Pepsi Co. contributes to Candidate A’s campaign and you as a voter do not agree with Candidate A or Pepsi’s endorsement of him/her, then you as a consumer are free to purchase Coca-Cola products.

Thirdly, the U.S. Supreme Court has made the contribution process more transparent.  Individuals who are Board Members, major shareholders, CEOs, and other prominent corporate figures have been donating to various candidates for years but they’ve just been names without any real meaning.  Candidates are always thrilled to announce endorsements from the rooftops so is it realistic to expect a major contribution from a group like Planned Parenthood to stay a secret for long?

Lastly, citizens are becoming more involved in politics.  Attending tea parties and conferences, supporting campaigns across state lines, and taking interest in groups like ACORN are only a few examples of the myriad available.  The politically active community exercises the First Amendment quite well and, as a result, news travels faster than ever.  If a union even thinks about writing a check, it will be broadcast throughout cyberspace.

No matter what side of the issue you are on it is important to emphasize that corporations, unions, and other deep-pocketed groups will never replace your vote.  As a citizen of the United States of America you have the right to cast your ballot in every federal election.  This right does not extend to entities; they can only smear or support, which still must be done with a disclaimer.  As a consumer you have the right to cast your vote in every purchase.  Your dollar is the ballot – spend it where you see fit.

We will only truly be able to understand the positive and negative consequences of this decision after we have seen it in action.  Fortunately Justice Kennedy got it right when he wrote in the majority opinion: “those choices and assessments, however, are not for the government to make.”

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