Dina Galassini never set out in 2011 to be at the center of the clash between the right of free speech and our election laws.  All she wanted to do was protest a Fountain hills, Az bond issue.  She emailed 23 friends to band with her to make some homemade signs,  join her in a couple of rallies and write some letters to the editor.  She estimated it cost $25.  Just the kind of thing the first amendment  was written to protect.  Not in Fountain Hills.  Upon learning of her plans, the town clerk sent her a letter urging  “cease any campaign related activities” until she had registered as a “political committee” under Arizona law.  This started her two-year plus Odyssey through Arizona Election Law.  Supported by the Institute for Justice, it culminated in September 30, 2013 with  Federal Judge James A. Teilborg striking down Arizona’s campaign finance scheme.  He formalized this decision this past December.  While pleased with her victory, it got us to wondering how it even came this.  After all, the First Amendment along with the rest of Bill of Rights were added to the Constitution to protect us from despotism.

We don’t have to harken back to King George to get an idea what Madison and his cohorts were  trying to protect against.  Just imagine the current despots in say Russia or Venezuela with similar laws.  Wouldn’t they love to have a list of their opponents financial supporters.  How likely would anybody to contribute to the opposition if these guys had that information.  Better still it would allow them to entangle their opposition and their supporters in endless confusing laws and regulations that could result in convictions and maybe even imprisonment.  Continue reading →

It seems everybody is saying with the President’s action Americans will interact with Cubans and acquaint them with the wonders of democracy and this will ultimately change Cuba from dictatorship to freedom.  Maryland congressman Chris Van Hollen put it this way, “More travel, more trade, and more communication between the United States and Cuba will expose Cuba to the benefits of the free exchange of goods and ideas. Those in Cuba who want to limit individual freedom may fear this, but Americans, and those who want to expand freedom, should welcome it.”  Continue reading →

Senator John McCain is a hero.  He endured years of harsh captivity and torture.  The least we can do is give him a hearing when he talks about things he experienced, the military, captivity and torture.  It’s what he actually says that’s troubling.  As we understand his position, anything that even smacks of torture is beneath the American people and should be avoided at all costs.  He states it this way, “But in the end, torture’s failure to serve its intended purpose isn’t the main reason to oppose its use. I have often said and will always maintain that this question isn’t about our enemies, it’s about us. It’s about who we were, who we are and who we aspire to be.” Continue reading →