Oh, great. SCOTUS just ruled that bribery is protected free speech.
I happen to be very biteable, pal. I'm moist and delicious.
Xander ,'Bring On The Night'
Natter 72: We Were Unprepared for This
Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.
Tom Scola - Apr 02, 2014 8:19:23 am PDT #24250 of 30000
Remember that the frontier of the Rebellion is everywhere. And even the smallest act of insurrection pushes our lines forward.
Liese S. - Apr 02, 2014 8:41:43 am PDT #24251 of 30000
"Faded like the lilac, he thought."
Oh no, that was a big one. I believe the entirety of the failure of the system rests on campaign finance reform and this just put all that down the tubes.
We don't have a democracy. We have a feudal system.
Connie Neil - Apr 02, 2014 9:00:48 am PDT #24252 of 30000
brillig
Well, feudalism at least involved a contract that both sides acknowledged. The serfs served the lord, but the lord looked after the serfs. Robber barons, now . . .
Calli - Apr 02, 2014 9:17:45 am PDT #24253 of 30000
I must obey the inscrutable exhortations of my soul—Calvin and Hobbs
Oh, great. SCOTUS just ruled that bribery is protected free speech.
Well, damn.
EpicTangent - Apr 02, 2014 9:28:35 am PDT #24254 of 30000
Why isn't everyone pelting me with JOY, dammit? - Zenkitty
Well, yeah. Can't practice my protected First Amendment rights without a congressman or two in my pocket, now can I?
Amy - Apr 02, 2014 9:36:26 am PDT #24255 of 30000
Because books.
I don't even understand how that can be.
msbelle - Apr 02, 2014 9:39:16 am PDT #24256 of 30000
I remember the crazy days. 500 posts an hour. Nubmer! Natgbsb
I just do not even. how?
this illegal activity is protected free speech. human trafficking can be protected free speech? and if that is too far, I would argue that coercion MUST be protected if bribery is.
Dana - Apr 02, 2014 9:43:31 am PDT #24257 of 30000
I'm terrifically busy with my ennui.
I'm trying not to wish bad things on the conservative justices, and just stick to wishing for something that causes one of them to need to retire.
Laura - Apr 02, 2014 9:58:09 am PDT #24258 of 30000
Our wings are not tired.
A couple deciding to retire would be better.
Connie Neil - Apr 02, 2014 10:48:26 am PDT #24259 of 30000
brillig
I don't think it's considered bribery if there's no proof that Company A gave Senator B X amount of dollars to specifically do Z. Generous general donations in exchange for a future consideration is in the grey area, even if they've had conversations about what Corp A wants to see happen.