In Defense of Freedom

Thank God in heaven for the Constitution: it's exactly what I think with each passing day leading up to the midterm elections of 2010. As if still playing the establishment outsider card, the Obama Administration has come out with a strong criticism of the Karl Rove sponsored American Crossroads PAC, as well as its friendly ally, the Chamber of Commerce, claiming both groups are being funded by foreign entities, which is by most descriptions completely illegal in the United States.

Despite the president's complaints, the group is picking up steam, and apparently broke fundraising records during the first week of October, as reported by the Washington Post in the article here. I am entirely sure Barack Obama respects the Constitution, but he seems to have forgotten one of its primary tenets in launching this broadside in a bad political year for the Democrats: the 1st Amendment. As it reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." 


Plain as can be, the Constitution dictates that people and organizations of individuals (corporations and PACs), may have their own say in each election campaign. Trying to remove that right is not only in violation of our founding document; it also casts a poor light on President Obama, who won the 2008 election through unprecedented fundraising, much of which was collected from foreign sources. 


For the Democrats, it must hurt to read those words now that they occupy the halls of the Whitehouse, as the text makes almost each of their arguments against the action committees nulled. But for those who might remain convinced that these conservative friendly blocs are only used by the GOP, I urge consideration of the many 527 groups and PACs which helped swing the House, and more importantly, the Senate, to the donkey party in 2006. Back then, the Democrats were certainly quick to emblazon themselves with the banner of the union, decrying the supposed tightening of regulations surrounding free speech by the Bush Administration. Now, the tuning of their political radars is changing, and thus the unfairness to incumbents role is their own to play in. 


Maybe I am wrong, but it almost seems as if the Democratic Party cannot stand to lose, no matter the risks or costs of winning. In 2008, despite a strong outsider advantage, they reverted to voter fraud and international fundraising to ensure a presidential victory and supplemental wins in Congress, and many of their most high-profile senators and congressman are simply bowing out rather than facing the voters come election day. In previous years which held likely negatives for the current minority party, incumbents stuck it out to the end, accepting defeat rather than attempting to retire under the guise of humble public service. 


As time goes on, Congress and the Whitehouse will change parties, yet the Constitution must remain the trustee of both power brokers, ever strengthened and never adjusted so as to diminish personal rights. Only in maintaining such a policy for the nation can we continue to endure as the last great symbol of world freedom and unparalleled democracy. 


Andrew Rimmer

National Alliance Vice President for Communications