A tip of the hat to the US Supreme Court regarding free speech, campaign contributions; and it's effect on the cost of free speech for us believers in one person-one vote. In the February 1, 2012, Wall Street Journal it is reported that the Romney organization "had a hefty financial advantage that allowed him (Romney) and a super PAC backing his candidacy to outspend his rival in (Florida's) expensive media markets..". It continues, "Mr. Romney and his supporters spent $15.6 million on television ads, compared to the $3.3 million spent by Mr. Gingrich and his supporters". But never fear, the same WSJ issue reports that one casino owner and his wife have already given $10 million to a super PAC backing Newt Gingrich.

Perhaps the costs of completing our old election process, one person - one vote, could be circumvented and replaced with the confirmed audit results of candidate campaign funds. The candidate with the most money to spend wins! It's probably time to do away with the idea that ours is a government of, by and for the people. The people of the United States can no longer afford 'free' speech as identified by our Supreme Court. Here's an idea - at the end of the election campaign unspent 'free speech' campaign money would need to be donated for reduction of the national debt! May God bless America, we do not deserve it but certainly need it.

Karl Zickler

South St. Louis County