Astroturf and Sunlight

Astroturf and Sunlight

Two years ago, the Senate rejected an attempt to regulate "astroturf," professional political agitation aimed at stimulating (or simulating) grassroots activity. Recently, that measure's supporters have been saying, "I told you so," citing the debate over who is behind boisterous criticism of President Obama's health care agenda at congressional town hall meetings.

But if the problem is that special interests with deep pockets tend to dominate public policy debates, stricter limits on political speech will only make things worse. The pros are in a much better position to comply with complicated, demanding registration and reporting requirements, which expose ordinary citizens...