Quote:
Originally Posted by finnbow
Philosophically, I agree with this decision. As a practical matter, however, it'll makes things even uglier than they already are. FWIW, I think the courts are the only semi-functional branch left in government.
|
The ruling advances a legal fiction that has so far outgrown its original purpose as to become obscene. The legal fiction makes corporations persons. Originally is was intended to make it more practical for incorporated to enter into contracts and enforce them or have them enforced in court. That personhood has spread to give corporations equal protection rights, rights to hold patents, and now a full fledged right to free speech. Corporations receive the rights of citizenship without the obligations. They might profit from war, but they will never be conscripted. Indeed, their only moral imperative is make a profit, other social concerns be damned unless it enhances the bottom line.
Corporations do not come together for the purpose of petitioning the government for redress. They come together to limit liability and to make a profit. In no way were corporations contemplated by the Framers as entities in need of, or entitled to the protection of the First Amendment.
Regards,
D-Ray