ll makes an attack on the extortionary practice of labor unions using their members dues for political purposes. With the proposed legislation, unions would be forced to produce voluntary funds for any campaign contributions or independent expenditures (Cantor). The bill also zeroes in on "coordinated expenditures" by political parties. Coordinated expenditures are in direct connection with a candidate or campaign (S. 25). Parties would still be able to continue making coordinated expenditures, but only if they agree not to make independent expenditures in the same campaign (Cantor). Campaign finance is an urgent issue that must be addressed as soon as possible. Too many people are losing their voice in politics simply because they cannot provide expansive monetary contributions. The argument that contributing money to a campaign is a constitutionally guaranteed right of free speech is the main combat against campaign finance reform. Opponents say that limiting the amount of money that people can contribute in support of their candidates impedes on free speech rights. But these bills do not completely restrict free speech. They simply impose restrictions on campaign financing to ensure that elections remain a fair, democratic process. If anything, allowing unlimited large contributions from individuals or groups impedes on the free speech privileges of those unable to contribute large sums. Although these people can still contribute to campaigns, their contributions are quelled against the influence that big money contributors can have. The American Civil Liberties Union says that campaign finance reform would hurt powerful minority groups like the NRA or Phillip Morris that wish to improve their situations through political influences. But campaign finance reform would be better for the vast majority. Enacting stricter limits and regulations would allow everyone to have a substantial and equal voice in politics. We m...
