Is independent political speech the linchpin of our democracy or its Achilles' heel? For democracy to work, some say, citizens (and corporations, and unions, and media outlets, and other voluntary organizations) must be allowed to express their views on the issues, candidates, and elections of the day. This proposition, they say, is exactly why the First Amendment protects the freedom of speech and of the press. On this view, restrictions on independent political speech undermine and subvert our constitutional structure. But others take a different view: If everyone can spend as much money as they like to express their political views, then some voices will be amplified, magnified and enhanced — while others will be all but drowned out. On this view, it is this inequality of influence that subverts our constitutional structure — and restrictions that level the playing field actually enhance rather than abridge the freedom of speech.
Emily Lakdawalla on the Last Orbits of Cassini
28 Min
Jul 18, 2017
Big-food companies are following startups into the meal-kit market, hunting for new ways to wrest back profit on ingredients that they already make. The Wall Street Journal's Kelsey Gee has the details.
9 Min
Dec 10, 2016
A.M. Edition for August 8: Bans on plastic straws are picking up steam across the country, in a relatively short amount of time compared to similar environmental campaigns. The Wall Street Journal's Corinne Ramey explains why they're catching on so quickly.
8 Min
Aug 7, 2018