"McCAIN-FEINGOLD"--AN ATTACK ON YOUR RIGHTS.(Brief Article)

The misguided "reformers" have struck again: Senators John McCain (R-Az.) and Russ Feingold (D-Wi.) have introduced the "Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2001" (S.27).

The First Amendment says "Congress shall make no law E abridging the freedom of speech E or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." But McCain, Feingold & Co. won't take "no" for an answer; they have become obsessed with "reform."

What's wrong with the bill? Let me quote NRLC's General Counsel, James Bopp, Jr.:

"McCain-Feingold 2001 is a major assault on the average citizen's ability to participate in the political process because it targets and imposes severe restrictions on two key citizen groups, which serve as the only effective vehicles through which average citizens may pool their money to express themselves effectively: issue advocacy groups [such as NRLC] and political parties. However, McCain-Feingold 2001 leaves wealthy individuals and candidates and powerful news corporations unscathed, thereby enhancing their relative power in the marketplace of ideas."

Who are the winners under McCain-Feingold 2001?

* Wealthy individuals. The bill can't touch them. They have enough money to make themselves heard, and they can set up foundations and buy media outlets that propagate their point of view.

* The news and entertainment media. The bill exempts them.