The Phoenix Network:
 
 
About  |  Advertise
Adult  |  Moonsigns  |  Band Guide  |  Blogs  |  In Pictures
 

Reality Test

        If money isn’t speech, as advocates of campaign finance restrictions wishfully insist, then why does your local NPR station persist in conducting those annoying pledge drives?  If money isn’t speech, why does Rupert Murdoch want to own the Wall Street Journal?  Why do unprofitable political publications require financial angels to survive?  Of course, money is speech, in effect, as Harvey observes below, (and as crtitics of campaign finance restrictions regularly point out; we have been having this argument for years.)   Money translates into speech, just as money translates into reproductive choice or access to equal education.  Like it or not, money facilitates the exercise of rights.  You can protest or lament that fact, but you cannot wish or declare it away. 

        Because money is speech, (at least until the revolution,) just as money is reproductive choice, some civil libertarians advocate alternative, public financing schemes for political campaigns, as Harvey describes.  Their goal is to expand, not restrict, opportunities for political speech.  Similarly, liberal supporters of abortion rights advocate publicly funded abortions for women in need. They seek to subsidize reproductive health care for poor women, not limit the care that rich women can buy for themselves.

        Public financed political campaigns are complicated and rightly controversial.  How should government officials determine who is eligible for campaign subsidies; should taxpayers be required to provide financial support for candidates they oppose?  But, for all their flaws, at least proposals to subsidize political candidates are efforts to address reality, not deny it. 


  • Share:
  • Share this entry with Facebook
  • Share this entry with Digg
  • Share this entry with Delicious
  • Email this article to a friend
  • Print this article

1 Comments

  • jerry said:

    They would potentially not be as expensive if we realized many (most?) of the costs go to paying broadcasters for their use of the public's airwaves. That is, up to a certain limit of time, to be determined, there is no reason that candidates that can get onto a ballot should have to pay one dime for advertising on TV. Those costs should be considered part of a Broadcaster's license fee, and not tax deductible.
    July 29, 2007 11:57 PM

Leave a Comment

Login | Not a member yet? Click here to Join
Follow the Boston Phoenix
twitter facebook myspace youtube rss
All Blogs
Related Articles

Boston Phoenix
Freedom isn’t free
Published 9/25/2009 by JEFF INGLIS
Press Releases

Boston Phoenix
Reality Test
Published 7/29/2007 by Wendy Kaminer
        If money isn’t speech, as advocates of campaign finance restri...

more by Wendy Kaminer
Second Lady | August 30, 2008
Hillary's Harpies | August 27, 2008
No We Can't | July 10, 2008
Anti-Noose Laws | May 19, 2008
It's a Crime to Lie to MYSpace? | May 16, 2008

 See all articles by: Wendy Kaminer

ADVERTISEMENT
Latest Comments
The Guitar Hero/Band Hero kerfuffle considered - Christian Louboutin shoes are available at attractive rates in all outlets across the world. Turn your...

By Gucci Sneakers on 11-28-2009 in Laser Orgy

Khazei Sneaking Up? - Mrs. Kennedy, why wouldn't you prefer Congressman Capuano to succeed the late Senator? Congressman Capuano...

By Ernie Boch, III on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

City Council Forums - сын насилует маму всегда на это дрочу!! http://pxgmyzzcug.jimdo.com анорексия фото http://vmpfpxkwxl...

By Homogon on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

City Council Forums - <b>GPS оборудование </b> GPS - глобальная система позиционирования, определение местоположения...

By BimaIdedirm on 11-27-2009 in Talking Politics

Climategate: It's not going away. - Congratulations. Way better coverage than The Boston Globe or The New York Times.

By Randy Moss on 11-27-2009 in Laser Orgy

Latest Comments from Free For All
Most Viewed
Insane Clown Posse at the Palladium
A chat with Temper Trap lead singer Dougy Mandagi
Bands You've Never Heard of Dressing Up As Bands You Love
Recap: Snoop Dogg, Devin the Dude, and Redman and Method Man at the House of Blues
Say Anything at the House of Blues | October 30
REVIEW: Thao Nguyen and The Get Down Stay Down at Middle East
Ticket On-Sale Alert: Harry and the Potters, Mario, Passion Pit, The Lion King, more
Most Viewed from Free For All
Search Blogs
 
Free For All Archives
Saturday, November 28, 2009  |  Sign In  |  Register
 
TODAY'S FEATURED ADVERTISERS
thePhoenix.com
Phoenix Media/Communications Group
Copyright © 2009 The Phoenix Media/Communications Group