mshomphe's Journal: $$ != Speech

I'll probably write more on this later, but I just need to get it out of my system.

It seems to be a common belief that money is speech. This is patently wrong. Money has no meaning, no sematics behind it. The purpose for having free speech is so that (1) people won't be persecuted for thier thoughts and beliefs and (2) eventually, with all this free unimpeded discussion, we as a society would begin to learn the Truth about Life, the Universe, and Everything (apologies to Mr. Adams). However, money does not do either of those things. Just because I have more money doesn't mean I'm right. If I endorse political candidate X over Y, and I pump $3 million into X's campaign, does that mean that X is the better candidate? If X has more money than Y, does that make him more qualified?

Of course it doesn't. That's like saying we're going to choose the political candidate who weighs more. It's the same arbitrary measurement. What should be measured is their beliefs, actions, deeds. Whether what the believe is true, to a reasonable degree.

Too often we're won over by flash, platitudes and patronizing rhetoric. There is no meaning that goes on in public debate any more. Reclaim rationality for the public good!