Free Speech, Inc.

"The Supreme Court should decide a case by the end of this month that seemingly pits multiple issues -- all dear to liberal hearts -- against each other: the First Amendment versus decent working conditions overseas and consumer protection," Lisa J. Danetz writes for TomPaine.com. The case, Nike v. Kasky, centers on whether or not Nike violated California's truth-in-advertising laws with its statements about the working conditions in its overseas factories. "Technically, the Court must determine whether the statements at issue should be considered 'commercial' or 'non-commercial' speech," Danetz writes. "Practically speaking, though, the case is about a different but equally important question -- one likely to be decided with no discussion. Namely, do corporations have the same First Amendment rights as individuals? The issue goes beyond advertising and business practices, directly addressing corporate participation in the political process, and how the government should -- or shouldn't -- regulate this participation."