The Supreme Political Commercials

(by Bob Franken on Huffington Post - Jan. 22, 2010)

At least the Supremes latest hit is a blow for honesty. The 5-4 ruling that corporations (and unions) can directly spend their mega bucks for the ads that can distort the elections means they can have their way without having to jump through all the phony hoops they had to to maintain the pretense they weren't doing that anyway.

What a victory for the Republicans. On those rare occasions that the Democrats don't just hand them an election, like the freebie they gave away in Massachusetts, the GOP can buy it, now that there is easier access to the coffers of their patrons. They'll get whatever they need simply by reminding them how they always protect their interests.

For those attempting to keep the rich and powerful in line, it will be like herding fat cats, but at least the record will be set straight. The conservatives on the high court prevailed with the ruling that these artificial restrictions on campaign finance violated the Oligarchs' First Amendment Free Speech rights.

Never mind the argument it was really their Bought-and-Paid-For rights. The long long debate is over. So it's time to contemplate the commercials the different companies will create so they can sell the gullible voters the same way they do when they hustle their products.

Can you see the spots now? Geico cavemen will endorse those whose policies hearken back to the Stone Age.

Auto manufacturers can join with the oil gas and power companies and recruit T.Boone Pickens to do ads for those who oppose action on Global warming... maybe as he stands on the familiar deck of his Swift Boat.

Investment houses and bankers can make their televised pitches for the candidates who will resist any efforts to regulate their industries. They may decide, however, that they don't need to spend the money because they already have been able to get their people into all the key government positions, no matter which party is in power.

And surely the pharmaceutical companies will want to join the fun...