... the more star systems will slip through your fingers."  I can't help but be reminded of that classic Star Wars quote as I read the latest stupidity about campaign finance reform.  There is this latest bill being proposed in the Wisconsin legislature:

Freshman lawmakers in the state Assembly want to limit special interest issue ads. The nine newest Democratic lawmakers in the Assembly have introduced a bill that would restrict so-called issue ads that target candidates for statewide office.

State Representative Cory Mason (D-Racine), one of the sponsors, says the bill would prevent groups from airing political ads within 60 days of an election if they aren't registered as a political group with the state. Mason says this would force groups to disclose who is funding their activities. Such groups currently avoid reporting requirements because their ads don't endorse a specific candidate.

And now, one of our very own is being attacked because he chose to put a campaign logo on his blog.  What is the weapon being used in this attack?  Why it's some of the very campaign finance reform laws that some people want to expand.

My stance on these laws ought to be fairly clear to anyone who reads this blog with any regularity.  What I just don't understand, is the attitude among lawmakers (and others who back these laws) that they will actually work.

I suppose I shouldn't be surprised people think these sorts of bans will work.  After all, people thought prohibition was a fine idea, and people think the war on drugs can still work.  There are those who are naive enough to think that banning gambling can be effective at curbing that habit, or that blue laws might actually have a chance at stopping prostitution.

Americans believe themselves to be free to do as they please.  It is ingrained in our society.  The beauty of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights is drilled into our minds as school children.  We are taught that you have a right to pursue your happiness, as long as you don't infringe on that same right in others.  It is the most basic tenant of our society... and yet continually law makers attempt to erode that most basic freedom.

But that's all they are.  Attempts.  Feeble, pitiful attempts of weak, power hungry, and stupid people.  For as often as politicians pass laws to prevent people from making decisions as adults that they have every right to do, we find ways around them.  First we find ways to do it legally.  In the case of campaign finance reform, you saw 527 groups explode during the 2004 election cycle.  But as law makers tighten their grip even further, we simply choose other avenues to get what we want.

We break the law.  While we as Americans value civil order, this country is built on a foundation of law breaking.  Our very existence is owed to those who stood against a tyrannical government, and broke the law.  In doing so, they gained their freedom, and secured it for generations to come... including ours.  This too is a lesson that is engrained in our minds at the youngest of ages.

This lesson seems to have been lost on those currently in government.  So go ahead.  Pass your campaign laws.  But if you think they'll do any good, you're just fooling yourself.  The money will flow.  First through new loopholes... and then under the table.  It's our right.  We know it, and we're going to exercise it, whether you like it or not.  And if you press hard enough... if you tighten your grip just too much... we'll make use of the amendment which allows all other amendments to exist... the 2nd.