The Supreme Court kicked open the door to 100% taxpayer-funded political campaigns, when justices refused to hear an appeal of a lower-court ruling upholding Seattle’s “democracy voucher” scheme to fund politicians with tax dollars.

Under Seattle’s system, a citizen can register with the government to receive $100 “vouchers” they can use to support political candidates. The scheme is intended to allow radical candidates, like socialists, to fatten their bank accounts with tax dollars taken from people who don’t want them elected.

Opponents argued that forcing taxpayers to bankroll politicians with whom they disagree was compelled speech, which is unconstitutional.  The Supreme Court refused to consider the case, despite previously ruling campaign donations were free speech.

“The so-called ‘democracy vouchers’ could not be more undemocratic or unconstitutional,” said Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Ethan Blevins, who represented two Seattle citizens challenging the scheme. “First Amendment rights include both the right to speak and the right not to speak. You can’t be forced to engage in political expression or advocacy that is contrary to your convictions.”

“Our free-speech rights come with a right not to speak,” said Seattle citizen Mark Elster, one of the plaintiffs. “They’re putting words in my mouth. They’re putting political speech in my mouth. They’re using my money for political campaigns I may or may not agree with.”

Seattle adopted the money funneling scheme after proposing massive taxes on employers like Amazon.  When employers complained and said they would take the issue to voters, Seattle politicians created the program to help themselves to tax dollars taken from the very employers and citizens who complained.

The ruling is expected to spur other left-wing cities and states to break open their taxpayer-funded bank accounts and help themselves to forced “campaign contributions.”

The Court has ruled in the past the government has a compelling interest to support taxpayer-funded campaigns, bizarrely claiming that allowing politicians to help themselves to tax dollars is part of “eliminating corruption.”

The system is creating an environment where either socialists, white supremacists and militant groups can campaign for public office using money confiscated from people who oppose them, or political candidates will be banned from campaign fundraising based on their views.

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Michael Brigham has written for American Action News since the summer of 2019. His areas of expertise include foreign affairs, government, and politics, but regardless of the subject matter, he has a nose and an insatiable appetite for news. In his free time, he enjoys reading nonfiction, watching a mix of comedies and true crime documentaries, and spending time away from the swamp hiking in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

Comments

  1. It’s communism wrapped up in free speech.
    Just like allowing the flag to be desecrated which is the symbol of the United States to make it worthless, another communist ploy.
    America should rule over the Supreme Court which seems to be sending down avalanches with their gross misinterpretations of the Constitution’s common sense, as if they were the media in black robes.

    1. Sirdirkfan,
      reelect D J Trump,give Republicans Congress/Senate,
      pass the Law and override the Supreme Court Ruling.
      Problem solved.

      1. Since states have their own Supreme Courts, and since the article did not say U.S. Supreme court or State Supreme Court, how do we know which one????

      2. You can’t override the SCOTUS. All you can do is impeach them OR have a REVOLUTION THAT REMOVES THEM FROM THE LAND OF THE LIVING.
        So which one of these “conservative” judges has turned his back on America? Roberts- YES Kavanaugh? Maybe Gorsuch? Maybe
        Even when we have a majority, some how our “men” seem to find a way to betray us.

        1. They may appear to :betray” you because you are wrong in the first place. They follow the law, you follow conservative insanity.

          1. The Supreme Court did not vote on this. They REFUSED to hear the Seattle case and thereby let stand the ruling of a lower Seattle court.

          2. Conservative insanity? I recall liberals beating the s*** out of young, and very old alike, because they were simply wearing a hat. Buildings being broken into.. death threats to anyone who didn’t agree with their twisted ideology. The list is literally endless.. bogus impeachment. You’re a very ignorant person.. You are indeed a misguided individual.

    2. Sirdirkfan,
      reelect DJTrump,Congress/Senate to Republicans,
      pass Law and overrule Supreme Court.
      Problem solved

    3. Sirdirkfan,
      Yes, from what we have read, this decision is obviously wrong and it looks like everyone is responding to a news story that lacks prior background information/facts as to how this case was proposed (pro’s and con’s) and how it was passed through the lower courts. Why, who, and on what cause was this and prior decisions decided (not stated) on by the lower courts?

      The change that would correct such errors is that all courts, and I mean ALL courts, have to state the exact supporting segment of the Constitution (and their reasoning) used to compose their decisions. Then this case (and many others) would have been kicked out of the lower courts at its inception.
      Gerry

    4. This means that more decent, Constitutionalist, lovers of liberty need to run for public office and avail themselves of this taxpayer-funded deal.

  2. It appears more and more likely that only another Revolutionary War will restore our Constitutional freedoms and liberties, as our Founding Fathers and the Constitution intended us to have, if these radical actions don’t stop! As Patrick Henry said: “Give me liberty, or give me death.” That just may be the only answer.

    1. It is. Been saying this for years. No greater ignorance than putting people in power that have zero accountability for being wrong.

    2. I am still pissed off where tax dollars are helping to fund abortions…then planned Parenthood sends out millions to support Democrats…

    3. They attacked it from the wrong vantage point. They should reconfigure the lawsuit to emphasize forced use of taxation that seeks to reinforce status quo politics that citizens desire to change. We have no right to opt out of taxation. Then elected politicians seize funds paid for police and courts, roads and schools to pay for campaign ads that deprive citizens of those necessary services, while reinforcing policy options that We the People seek to change. So the case is a good case, but it was framed the wrong way.

    4. This article doesn’t specify which Supreme Court has put out this decision. First thought is it’s a states decision. If this is the federal Supreme Court decision, we are screwed. I cannot accept this as a federal ruling. Liberal ruling justices backed by liberal ruling politicians have just destroyed the state this ruling came from. Sensible. Conservatives will decide to move elsewhere.
      On. Federal issue my personal opinion is that it’s time to create two USAs. I personally would see no benefit in a Civil war. I see no reason to fight between two groups that have such widely diverse thought. The biggest issue to solve —HOW TO DIVIDE THE COUNTRY EQUIABLY

  3. The flooding of the Supreme Court with leftist leaning judges has become a problem . These judges let their personal feelings and desires rule their decision making when ruling on cases not our Constitution . They also choose to interpret our Constitution as they wish to see it not in the Origional intent as spelled out by our founders

    1. Just imagine if Biden should win things will get as bad as that rat Obama did. Biden is just the puppet pervert demented fools and Obama and Clinton will make all of the decisions. I believe China and the democrats turned the virus lose to destroy our economy to pave the way for the rotten criminal democrats to win.

      1. You’re an idiot – read if you can for yourself things concerning the economy and social metrics. Read with comprehension if you can. If all else fails get a life outside your room without a view go to a bookstore and purchase audio-book and keep a dictionary close by.

        1. Roberts, rather doubt you have an earned PhD. putting dr letters in from of your name really nails your intelligence, maybe 2 digits. Certainly not an MD. Your ignorance is very obvious. Your mail order Dr. certificate is worth considerately less than you paid for it. I see a return on investment around -1500%. You could do better from one of the band college mills. Actually Helga made two excellent points.

        2. hey Dr Roberts. Don’t be so fast to criticize somebody that just might be right. Just saying. The Dems are the most crooked a holes in the world. and they will do anything to get their hands on power to include killing you if you get in the way. Just saying

        3. Dr. (so called) simply means dumb rat. This entire virus crap is a political Democrat, mixed with Soros & China to take down America.

          I’m certainly not a doctor, but, I’ve got more brains than most individuals walking around, because, I’ve worked with people my entire life. Prior to the fake impeachment, fake Russia crap, fake Ukraine crap, I told my daughter exactly what was going to happen next. It has been right down the line just as I predicted. If one observes everything that’s happening, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see what is coming. I read the book “Masters of Deceit” in the 7th grade & it was cemented in my brain & I’ve never forgotten what it warned us that was coming. “We will take America from the inside.” It created a watch dog in me like one could never believe. It has played out just like the book read.

          Two days ago, I told my daughter the next will be name tags, door to door searches, labels for those who supposedly had the “HOAX” virus & a hold on opening our economy. What is Pelosi demanding that she doesn’t have any authority to demand? Wait & don’t open…. That BBBBB is wanting a full blown depression.

          You dumb rat, book theory is nothing but someone’s opinion. Live a life of observing & you don’t need much else in the way of a brain. You can read what’s happening next. I’ve never been to college, but, I have a degree in “Communications” that has never been taught in any college. This is why I know more than 90% of people. I constantly watch & listen to what is happening & that is all it takes to know what the next move will be by rotten politicians.

          Look at all the lies, both Dr. Fauci & Dr. Brix have told in the last month. The truth will always rise above the trash & criminals.

          Everybody, please read the book. Open your eyes. If we stand up against what isn’t right, they can’t jail all of us. We are too many who believe in our Constitution….. The democrats will always try to trick people into what is bad, by candy coating the lies, just like this dumb rat doctor.

          1. Well said! When criminality baits lawlessness, it is easy to see who is behind the crime; it is always those who gain the power- be it in monetary or political. The Republic is in death rattle and no one wishes to acknowledge this, for criminals in lawlessness have arisen en-masse; look now for the rise of the Man of Lawlessness….

          2. I know of where you speak. Read the book and agree with you. I also, have not been to college, but over 43 years of government communications experience. I suggest a number of people need to physically visit with these Communist politicians and verbally reason with them. If that doesn’t work, then don’t reason with them.

          3. Common sense. To quote St. Augustine, “Truth is like a lion, you don’t have to defend it, turn it loose and it will defend itself”.

        4. How about you just grow up first. Politicians are stealing from taxpayers far too much and if you can’t see that then why do you have a Dr in front of your name?

      2. I tend to agree with you. I said upon first notice of this pandemic this thing was created. We all know how disgusting the democrats and their cohorts the main stream media are. Remember when Obama wanted to control the internet?

  4. Minnesota has allowed tax write offs for political donations to state, but not Federal, candidates. The same $100 per voter ($200 per married couple) has been the normal. More recently, the Democrats have been urging a cancellation of the program. The reason is that Republicans has not partaken of the program (because it was not a valid use for public funds), until we realized we were being abused. We started logging onto the program and it frightened the Democrats to see the silent majority find its power in competition with the Democrats.

    1. There is a difference. Minnesota allows a tax write off. The person gets this only if they contribute to a candidate. Washington is just giving the money to the candidate, no voter intent or involvement needed.

  5. This can not be done, you can not take somebody,s money and use it for the candidate that you want. They might not want that candidate . This is unconstitutional

    1. Good Luck the unions have been doing it ever since I can remember and am 79. They always gave to the democrats as those of us in the union that weren’t democrats tough.

  6. Well, there ya go! The corrupt bunch of scumbags that voted not to hear this are traitors and should be tried and executed as our law calls for!

  7. I believe anyone with a brain will now run for office if this is true. Count me in, I’ve always wanted to get into a position where I could steal people blind just like the democrats and half the Republicans are doing now. Come on folks if we all run we can get rid of those stupid people that come up with these crazy rules.

    1. Finally a voice of intelligence. This is what we call in America – willful blindness.” The constitution is no longer for the people – More like corporate American chairmen of the boards; exclusively and who undoubtedly are detached from the real world and the people that live in it.

  8. Seems the tax payer gets stuck with all the bills. Who else will pay for it, the rich, nope! How bout the poor, nope! Thing is, the middleclass jobs have been going overseas for years so what’s next?

  9. Fire every politician that has no experience in running a business and/or industry, and give them a one time $1200 check to stay at home. Have all new elections in November and forbid every single person running to have held any political office or appointed office to run.

  10. If they do tax payments for Politicians, then they should end out of state or pacs from funding any politician. Maybe go as far as not alowing any other method of paying or supporting politicians other then state taxes? This would stop Billionaires or, Unions, or outsiders from turning states red or blue. Leaving the burden to state taxes.

  11. The State of CT pays people to run for state office. They say that the (tax) money keeps the election “honest” and out of the hands of “Big Money”. They don’t want to hear the argument that tax dollars will support candidates I don’t want in office. As long as the ruling party keeps their majority, how is it going to change without a SCOTUS decision to strike it down.

  12. Who are the SCOTUS justices who voted to refuse to hear the lower court’s request? Their names should be published. I bet Justice Roberts was one of them. They are wrong in allowing politicians to use our tax paid dollars.

  13. Why is it Democrats can get things passed, that slants elections to their candidates, and never to the Republicans? If we should be so lucky to keep President Trump, and get 60 Republican Senators in 2020, and 218+ Republican Representatives in the House; then the Republicans can pass laws to prevent a lot of election fraud in future elections. We also need to elect more Republican Governors and Mayors in 2020. It is clear from what everyone can see… the Democrat controlled states are taking away more from citizens, and wanting more illegals to be able to enter and be supported by American’s taxpayer dollars. They want more abortions performed at taxpayer’s expense. They want to spend more on their and their corporate buddies environmental schemes, than on our military and defense of our borders, & reducing drugs in America.

  14. Individuals shouldn’t be permitted to individually determine how taxpayer money is allocated, either to partisan campaigns of to anything else. Legislatures are charged with the responsibility of appropriating public funds, and they can’t hand that responsibility off to individuals. Just because public officials are not allowed to support political campaigns with public funds, doesn’t mean that they can allow individuals to do so.

  15. Now the only fair way for any election is if the candidates are given the same amount of money and only allowed to spend a set amount of money, then no one could actually buy elections like is happening now, when the party with those huge amounts of money can out advertise the opponent and that is no way to run a fair election where only the person with the most money wins, in most cases.

  16. politicians constantly create new ways to gather money for their elections. they spend more time on this than what they need to do. represent the people. time to elect statesmen instead of politicians. they want power and will do anything to hold onto it. ——Grampa

  17. I thought that taxation without representation was not possible in America. This is a change to the law, that should be ratified at the ballot box, not in court. There should be a question asking the people, to declare what they want, not what the Democrats want them to do. It should be on the ballot, whether the people want this change, not a judge to rule on it. We need to free up the courts, to do their real job, not acting on frivolous cases like this. the answer has always been to ask the people directly what they want, not allow a few elected people to make those decisions. I don’t understand why the ballot hasn’t been used more often to settle these disagreements.

  18. American politics is in desperate need of 2 things:
    1)TERM LIMITS…to end career politicians who become beholden to lobbyists and the wealthy rather than the ordinary people.
    2)Campaign Finance reform for similar reasons……If all credible politicians were allotted a certain amount of money which they could not exceed…it would do away with people like Soros, Bloomberg, Steyer etc….BUYING elections…..it would give the power back to the people.
    Without meaningful reforms…..our system will continue to be corrupt and America will continue to be run by ELITISTS using the MEDIA …

  19. Is there really no action that can be taken but a resort to arms?
    I’m not anti-forceful action; its just that I think many more of the citizens of the US would support an action that did not include armed rebellion.

    1. I agree. We must avoid another civil war; because war is exactly what Liberals want to occur. Legislation passed by Democrats over the past 25 to 30 are attempts to herd the country into another civil war. Liberals have the INSANE idea that only THEY will survive a war and it will leave them in charge of the country permanently.

  20. When the courts fail to take care of a problem involving elected government offices the voting often changes from the ballot box to the bullet box ! I would not want to be on the soap box , many may not be around for the vote count .

  21. Would laugh my ass off if the vouchers were used by the silent conservatives there to fund conservative candidates and possibly win back some local and state offices.

  22. It’s a spin-off from ballot harvesting. Fact is, democrats are gathering ballots from those they persuade to vote for democrats. And if they’re suffering with marginal mental acuity, it guarantees a vote for the democrat. The subject vouchers may allow harvesting of liberty vouchers. How the hell is this the business of government. The Constitution was written for the express purpose of LIMITING government.

  23. The lawyers and the justices have taken over our country. Every time an issue comes up everybody starts lawyering up. The issues then jam up the court system and justices spend to much time interpreting the law instead of enforcing it. More lawyers, more justices, more lawyers, more justices and on and on it goes. Nothing is getting done in this country. And we the people are getting screwed around, being expected to continually foot the bill.

  24. The headline is deliberately misleading.The writer NEEDS TO BE CLEAR ; is this the state supreme court or U.S. Supreme Court. I’m sure it’s the ssc and NO WAY the SCOTUS would allow this unless SCOTUS is packed with anti-Constitution judges. This decision will be struck down based on that very principle. IT STEALS PERSONAL CHOICE FROM THE INDIVIDUAL’S POLITICAL PREFERENCE. Does communism ring a bell ?

  25. They may appear to :betray” you because you are wrong in the first place. They follow the law, you follow conservative insanity.

  26. ITS WE THE PEOPLE AND UNTIL THAT STARTS TO HAPPEN MORE AND GIT THE SCAIRD FREE TO UP RISE IN THE BALLOT BOXES WE WILL TURN TO WE THE PRESIDENT,WE THE CONGRESS,WE THE HOUSE AND WE THE SENAT STAND IF YOU ARE THE FEW THE PROUD THE HONEST AND LETS START BEING HEARD WE ARE THE PEOPLE GIT THEM OUT KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!

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