Dear Supreme Court, "Freedom" Shouldn't Trump Equality

Since the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday to overturn two precedents and permit unlimited corporate spending on political campaigns, the word "freedom" has experienced a resurgence unparalleled since the months following September 11, 2001. Corporations deserve freedom of speech, too, suggests the Court's majority opinion (heavily dissented in a 90-page rebuttal from the more liberal minority). Forget about America's economically disadvantaged, who lack the financial wherewithal to pressure candidates into promoting their interests. Equality of opportunity is an old catchphrase; we're talking freedom now.

An oft-repeated saying of William Easterly, a professor of economics at NYU, is that "the rich have markets and the poor have bureaucrats." What a telling phrase in light of Thursday's disastrous decision. Once again, the rich -- in this case, corporations -- can exploit markets to make their voices heard. After all, what politician will turn down millions if it means losing a swing state? Low-income Americans, on the other hand, are stuck with only their votes. Talk about disempowerment.

The fundamental problem with the Supreme Court's decision is its interpretation that corporations are "associations of people," thereby allowing them the same rights that individuals have under the First Amendment. Freedom of speech for the individual becomes freedom of speech for Wal-Mart and Wells Fargo. As Jimmy Kimmel joked Thursday night, "Corporations are not people, and if they were people, they’d be real jerks." Why allow them free speech, unless your goal is to help them sway public opinion in favor of candidates with their economic interests at heart?

The Supreme Court has already guaranteed First Amendment rights for the lowest common denominator: individual American citizens. Throwing open additional doors for special interests to infiltrate the political system seems completely unnecessary, not to mention contrary to the best interests of poor America. Already, the country's most vulnerable have little say in the political agenda; now, their opinions, values and expectations carry even less weight.

The U.S. Senate and House had better reprimand the Supreme Court for its flawed logic. Mincing words to suit the interests of corporations helps no one but America's powerful economic interests, including corporate lobbyists. In one single step, the Court exploited the words of the First Amendment while ignoring that most beautiful of Constitutional phrases: "We find these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." It may be impossible to achieve true equality in any society, but offering equal opportunity to influence the political system for all, including -- and especially -- the poor and downtrodden, is the first step. Thursday, unfortunately, was one step backward for America.

Photo credit: ken mccown