This week, in a 5-4 decision the Supreme Court ruled the government may not ban or restrict political spending by corporations in elections, becasue it was a restriction of Free Speech.
The decision — Citizens United V. Federal Election Commission — overturned campaign finance laws classified in the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, which prohibited businesses from financing issue ads from their general treasury funds. It also affects laws in 24 states.
Before the decision, ads could not be aired 30 days before primary elections and 60 days before general elections.
However, corporations and unions still cannot after the decision directly contribute to a candidate’s campaign. The decision does not affect political action committees.
Is it really a good Idea to allow third-parties unrestricted access to public broadcasating? I anticipate the proliferation of attack-ads and wanton displays of substancless commercials. Blech. But I suppose free speech is a right, even if it can be annoying and perpetuates voter ignorance and shallowness of politics. :)
Read about it here. and here.
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