How much of an optimist do I have to be?

So, our Supreme Court upholds the right of a corporation to make political contributions, at least in the form of money supporting advertising for candidates and issues. Can't contribute directly to the candidate, but can definitely purchase advertising. The basis of the decision? Freedom of speech/expression.


As you might guess, it doesn't matter at all whether the Court is correct in interpreting the laws and the Constitution. It matters even less that you and I might disagree or agree with the ruling. The question for now is what all this will mean to our lives and fortunes and those of people we care about. Hopefully, that's all of us.


Some are telling us woefully that there is absolutely nothing Congress or anyone else can do. Congress can't pass new, corrective action either because any corrective legislation would also be a violation of freedom of expression or, more probably, because the corporations would use their wealth to ensure the election of legislators who would refuse to pass such legislation.
That sounds pretty black! And just maybe it really is that bad.


Then there are some who claim this is a godsend---that allowing big business to completely control our lives would ensure the best of all possible worlds for us. Even though I have for decades been a free market advocate (until the last eight years, that is), I just can't buy that foolishness. I recall, as I'm sure most of you do as well, about 50 years of big business stiffling health care initiatives because most meaningful reform would seriously impact the insurance industry's ability to deny coverage where needed. That would be against the unregulated profit motives so necessary to the free enterprise system. (Tongue firmly in cheek)


To tell you the truth, though, I'm not as blindly afraid as some. I am, of course, known for believing good will come out of all bad and apparently bad situations. This is no different. The innovative spirit that so often shows itself in our people will again surface; creativity and small business will again prove its worth. New ideas and programs will shine and we'll be okay in spite of ourselves.


Then again, we may have a bumpy ride for some time. There is a good argument, at least it sounds "sound," that says foreign governments can now purchase influential interests in our large corporations and control our government. Justice Alito seems to say that's not so. I haven't read the opinion, but the media comments sound pretty logical (for a change).


What's your take on this "crisis of the day?" Please comment below.