The balanced Senate now makes legislation possible. Critics say the bill's limits on spending and issue advertising violate the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of expression. The contrary is true. It is the tidal wave of cash in the age of television advertising that has corrupted the system. The process by which our government officials get elected limits free speech and creates a lopsided playing field.
Big money speaks.
The rest of us sit on the sidelines and watch. The results are clear. Simply put, if one does not have access to big money one does not get represented. Although most of us have become far too politically marginalized, we have a moment to shove a foot in the door before it closes again. This is the time to mail those letters and work those telephones, faxes and e-mails.