The courts have decreed that it is constitutional for corporations and individuals to donate as much money as they wish to 527 political action groups and political parties. These groups can purchase as much issue oriented and candidate support ads as they wish. So why does everyone have their panties in a wad over how much money Art Pope and his related organizations are spending in this year’s elections? Yes, he has spent thousands in this election cycle but we didn’t hear the same angst when labor unions and other groups donated money to Democrats in 2008.

The courts say everyone, corporations included, is entitled to freedom of speech. This notion is deeply embedded in our very beings, but this modern form of speech is far from free.

We don’t like the idea that someone or some organization can “buy” an election and the facts demonstrate that the candidates who spend the most money, or have the most money spent on their behalf, more than likely win the election.

This current election cycle points out a basic flaw in election laws. Either we must come up with a solution that will guarantee freedom of speech with reasonable limitations on spending or we might as well admit that our election seats are for sale and put them up for public auction. Most government treasuries could use the money.

But there’s no point in getting mad with people who are following the rules. Let’s change the rules, instead.