[AmericanMade1776]

Power to the Swift Boaters, but Who cares about George Soros's Moveon.org?

[Mad Dawg]

We can't have free political speech. It might interfere with our first amendment protected titty shows.

[rhombus]

If last week's fines have the desired effect, in future elections we will not hear from groups such as the Swifties or MoveOn. Instead, there will be issues not raised, points of view not heard. The funny thing is, we voters won't even know who is not getting to speak or what issues are not being raised. Politicians who want to "control their own campaigns" will find this to their advantage. But how this is an advantage for democracy, I'm not sure.

I am sure. It's a disaster.

[Mo1]

But isn't the point of the 1st Amendment that we hear these messages and make up our own minds, without the government telling us whom to believe or silencing voices before we hear them?

They are just figuring this out now?

Or are they just upset that Moveon.org was fined also?

[Just A Nobody]

What did the groups really do wrong?
Did they bribe or corrupt politicians? Well, no.
Did they make illegal contributions to campaigns? Well, no again.
Did they seek out special favors or illegally coordinate their efforts with candidates? No.

The FEC admitted that, after a "thorough" investigation, it found no evidence that any of the groups operated in concert with candidates or sought legislative favors.

The FEC admitted to going easy on the groups, given the "uncertainty" in the law.

In my view, there is no uncertainty — the groups did not violate the law at all.

[silverleaf]

Is there a fund to contribute toward paying the Swift Boat fine? Free Speech isn't free anymmore in this country.

[AZRepublican]

Kerry had the US Navy protecting his bag of lies (can't give the public any info because it would expose Kerry for the liar he is, err, violate his privacy). Now here comes the FEC saying if you try and sidestep the protected wall both Kerry and the Navy put up to protect his public deception, we will fine you.

Kerry must be very pleased.

[RVN Airplane Driver]

I am so proud my contributions made a difference. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The definition of "swiftboating" in the dictionary should be: "Making the truth known to the masses when obvious lies are presented to the uninformed public"

[CharlesWayneCT]

If the article correctly states the FEC ruling, it seems the Swift Boat people were not fined for what they did against Kerry, but for how they solicited funds.

If their fundraising letters and web site had said they were going to "expose the truth of Kerry's service".

[Wil H]

$629,000 ??

A small price to pay for keeping a communist traitor out of the White House.

Money well spent!

[GoldenPup]

The Swiftboaters should get the Presidential Freedom Medal. Kerry is quickly overtaking algore as "Fool of the Century"...what a pair of dueces, er...dunces. Same difference.

[IrishMike]

Donated $100 to the swifties,
will again.

[Sir Gawain]

Power to my ammo when the sh*t hits the fan.

[Larry Lucido]

"The FEC admitted to going easy on the groups"

It's not the fine. The fine could have been $5.00. It's the chilling effect on future speech that matters.