When I insist that I will not vote for John McCain (despite my appreciation for his health care plan vs. the plans of the Democratic candidates), I usually cite the fact that he has such disregard for the First Amendment that he allowed his name to be put on a bill that tramples all over it. Several of my friends seem to believe that I’m exaggerating how bad the McCain-Feingold travesty is. I don’t think it’s possible to exaggerate how bad it is.

One proponent of annexation sued them. This tactic – wielding campaign finance regulations to suppress opponents’ speech – is common in the America of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law.

The complaint did not just threaten the Parker Six for any “illegal activities.” It also said that anyone who had contacted them or received a lawn sign might be subjected to “investigation, scrutinization and sanctions for campaign finance violations.”

Here’s the thing — it doesn’t really matter who wins this suit. The fact that this suit (and others like it) is even possible stifles political discussion. It is entirely unreasonable to say that I can’t get together with a few neighbors and friends, pool our money, and attempt to persuade others to share our stances on the issues unless I first register with the government.

That citizens should not need the government’s approval to share political positions was one of the biggest motivators to drafting the First Amendment in the first place. That McCain-Feingold gives various levels of government the authority to register “issue committees” is completely unacceptable. McCain-Feingold is abhorrent from the principles upon which this country is founded, and because of McCain’s support of this violation of our rights, I will not vote for him.