New Mexico Central

Tired Of Political Commercials?

by Bob Steiner

Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, or an Independent, you do share something with all other citizens of this land.  Due to the failure of reform legislation  designed to  curb the financial impact of  special interest groups on our electoral  process, you, the voter, have become the target of the most massive political ad campaigns ever seen.

Have you recently watched an enjoyable family-oriented program on TV with those you love, only to have it interrupted with at least  one (sometimes more than one!) loud, crude political attack commercial ?  After a hard day’s work, resting in your easy chair, listening to your favorite FM station, has the sanctity  of your home  been suddenly violated by a  rapid-fire verbal assault on a political candidate, asserting that he/she is eligible for residence in a “state-run corrections facility”?  As Americans, we must respect  the first amendment rights of  even   those who perpetrate such intrusions, despite the fact that their efforts are full of innuendos, half-truths, non-current information, and outright lies. Let’s face it. This year has been a particular trying  time in the realm of  political  advertising.

All of us are pretty well fed up with the depths that both major parties  have sunken to in selling their candidates! Both parties are equally guilty of polluting the environment with their “mud-slinging”. It seems that no political figure is above reproach.  Despite repeated public pledges by all candidates NOT to engage in negative campaigning, every news broadcast and political interview seems to just add to the “poison” being disseminated on the airwaves.

So what should (or can) we as citizens do to remedy this “smelly” situation?  We can write letters to our elected representatives( most of whom are part of the problem!) . Such action, in turn, will generate a polite reply on a form letter informing us that our” person” in Washington (or Santa Fe) vigorously condemns such activity.  Invariably, the response will also include a statement denying that the representative has personally ever engaged in such conduct, although to his/her “chagrin”,  such  actions are indeed  protected under the first amendment.

So once again, the question arises. What should we do? In view of the freedom of speech provisions of the first amendment, total elimination of these negative and offensive ads would seem to be a insurmountable task.  Still, we should not lose sight of the fact that the courts have ruled that the free speech provisions do not cover some unique situations, for example yelling “fire” in a crowded theater. Thus,  in the case at hand, being ever-mindful of the needs of the community as a whole, some “limitation” of  this statute could possibly be achieved, even if it were to involve some potential litigation.  Lest we forget, another document, the Declaration of Independence upholds other “inalienable rights”.  I do believe that “unbridled and excessive abuse” of the first amendment , such as we have in our present political situation, does constitute an infringement upon my “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness”, as portrayed in the Declaration. For this reason I believe  action on our part is justifiable. In summary, I must concede that, while a total elimination of offensive campaign ads and commercials may not be feasible, imposing some “limitations” might be the answer.  I propose that  we initiate a grass roots action to rein in the excesses and abuses of the present system.  Such an attempt would be initially restricted to New Mexico (for logistical reasons) and would not restrict any candidate’s right to free speech, providing his campaigning was accomplished in a timely manner.  Specifically, my proposal is quite simple and to the point.  Restrict all political campaign ads and commercials until sixty days before any proposed election!

      I certainly do not claim to have all the answers and regarding this subject would have to rely on the wisdom of those more learned in the law than I. for assistance in some areas.  I do recognize that there will be “naysayers” with vested interests who would actively oppose this idea. One thing that I do recognize, though, is that the excessive hostile political campaigning  is demeaning to our political system, the country, and its citizens. To command the respect of other nations, our own people, and children, we need to put our politics on a “higher” road.

I would challenge any readers of the Blog who agree or disagree with me on this subject to voice their opinions under “comments”.  Suggestions and other input are most  welcome. I am under no illusions. This idea may not “fly” very far”.  On the other hand, if we find enough local support and a state representative willing to expend some effort, we could just possibly get some exposure during the state legislature session in January.  If nothing else, we can at least get people talking about the problem enough that the respective party leaders will have to take note of our disgust with the system. This may then prompt them to clean up their own acts before the next election cycle begins.  Please, just because the current cycle is winding down and we will soon be free of these commercials for a time, don’t become complacent and do nothing. If you are motivated to respond, please do so now! The year 2010 political cycle is closer than you think!

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Sunday, October 26th, 2008, by Bob Steiner and is filed under "Uncategorized ". You can leave a response here, or send a Trackback from your own site.