Last month, Post columnist George F. Will quoted Barry Goldwater in the opening lines of his piece, arguing that the Citizens United decision protects Americans’ First Amendment rights.

Today in the Washington Post, our legal director, Ron Fein revists Goldwater’s record, and explains the unlimited political spending by business corporations is exactly what Goldwater didn’t want interfering with our democracy.

Of Goldwater, Ron writes:

“As he explained in his 1960 bestseller “The Conscience of a Conservative,” political fundraising should come from “individuals and individuals alone.” He put it simply: “I see no reason for labor unions — or corporations — to participate in politics.” The post-Citizens United flood of corporate and union dollars into our politics would have infuriated the senator.”

Read the full article

Click here