Corporations can do what??

I am an American, I have free speech as a individual, and this very blog is an enactment of that inherent right. Last week however, the Supreme Court overturned an age old policy, eliminating the different between individuals and corporations in regards to free speech. Corporations may now act the same as individuals in the political arena.

Citizens United, a non-profit organization of conservative advocacy attempted to release a movie in anticipation of the 2008 election entitled "Hillary: The Movie." Though the people within this agency have free speech individually, as a corporation this freedom (prior to the new ruling) was very different. The group did not release the documentary, that bashed Clinton's character, her qualifications for president, and her value as a human being in general, and this was likely a smart decision. However today, they would have every right to do so.

Politics has never been remotely ethical, and this is not new information. However, it is fascinating how much this new ruling changes things. At one point in time (years before Obama, the brand) people waited on the edge of their seats to merely see who the New York Times and the Washington Post were going to endorse politically. Now we have corporations (in theory the same power houses, and good decision-makers like AIG) with the ability to endorse political entities and buy the president of their choice.

In my opinion, this is the kiss of death for democracy as we know it. Why contribute my 100 campaign donation, when Citigroup can donate $300,000 and more? Despite which side you are on politically the new law lessens the value and worth of your freedom of speech as an individual. In this country don't we pride ourselves on freedom of speech and power of the individual after all?