Online Public Relations Thoughts

The Supreme Court's decision yesterday that struck down campaign laws regulating participation of unions and corporations has opened a new field for public affairs and PR. Corporations are now guaranteed the same First Amendment rights as any citizen. The question is how to use them responsibly and effectively, especially in an era of the internet when an individual citizen has as much power to speak as anyone else. The fear is that corporations will dominate the airwaves, but if the recent Senatorial election in Massachusetts is of significance, the important battle will be as much online as over the air. One thing is certain -- a diversity of views will increase in elections, and there is a chance that citizens may be more confused than ever about who to vote for. On the other hand, that might make them think and discuss more too -- and that's good.