I have avoided taking political positions on my Web site or even hinting about my political leanings. For the first time in my life, however, I am confronted with a stark reality - that I might vote for a liberal candidate over an ostensibly conservative one.

My political disposition is simple - I believe in capitalism and freedom, the bedrock of bedrock conservative principles. If we Americans don't have these, very little else will matter.

Senator McCain's sponsorship of and support for the McCain-Feingold Campaign Reform Act is at the root of my discontent. The campaign reform part of the law is ridiculous; I've got some nice swampland if you believe this law did a thing to remove corruption from political finance or provided any meaningful "reforms." But the law's restriction on political free speech is an abomination. No one who believes in limitations on free speech deserves to be president of our country. I include President Bush - he signed the bill into law knowing it included this provision.

Here's the letter I've just sent to Senator McCain.

Dear Senator McCain:

I will support you and donate to your campaign if you pledge, in writing and publicly, to repeal the anti-free speech provisions of McCain-Feingold.

I can not in good conscience support a presidential candidate who believes that limitations on political free speech are anything less than contemptible. I’m willing to compromise on the many other areas where I disagree with you and I must tell you that one, your position on illegal immigration, will be a bitter pill to swallow. But if you pledge to restore unrestricted free speech to this country, I’ll sign up.

It pains me to say this - I will vote against you and work against you as long as our Constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech is not one of your priorities.

Sincerely,

Will Fastie
Baltimore, MD
Viet Nam, '68-'70