Name
Instructor
Course
Date
The First Amendment
Although the first amendment protects corporations as it secures their freedom of speech, this should not be the case. The issue of protection of political expression mostly occurs when corporations use their money to get the influence they need. Money is not a form of speech and it should not be taken as such. It is a powerful medium and it is able to influence people to make decisions. Corporations let their money speak for them. They can spend their money to influence those who are undecided on different issues. Those who are less fortunate do not have the same opportunity as corporate organizations do. Corporate organizations express their speech through lobbying and advertising. For instance some lobbying firms in have set up non-profit organizations which they are using to pass on their message and to influence people (Mathews). Non-profits and lobby groups are recognized differently under the law. This action gives the lobby groups more power and influence. Since corporate political expression is protected, there should be legislation that draws the line between freedom and restrictions as far as corporations are concerned. The first amendment should not pave way for corporations to engage in corrupt practices and other unethical behaviors in the name of freedom. The big corporations should not use their advantage to oppress others. The first amendment should only apply to individual citizens as it places them on an equal playing field. The poor have the same rights and freedoms as the wealthy in the constitution and the first amendment should not be an exception to this. Corporations are not affected by laws the same way that individuals are. They do not have the emotions and conscience. They are legal entities concerned with business affairs and most of them are only concerned with making profits. They are a way for the wealthy to gain more control and power, and this places them above the ordinary citizens.
Works Cited:
Mathews, Mark. Lobbyists behind Non-Profit Fronts. 4 May 2006. Web. 23 May 2014