The Supreme Court has once again expanded the role money can play in the political process. The court has said dollar bills equal free speech. Conservatives have won as demographers say the wealthy are primarily made up of white, male, Republicans.

After the decision I listened to attorneys and other learned individuals debate the merits of what has just occurred. Both sides referred to the Constitution and offered up all kinds of legalese but little down to earth common sense.

When all is said and done more private money will be utilized to fill the airways with “free speech” television and radio ads. Meanwhile, those seeking higher office can be seen standing in line waiting to talk to the wealthy elite.

Case in point: A little over a week ago Republican presidential candidates flocked to Las Vegas in order to genuflect in front of casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson. I suspect each of these august personages met with their respective staffs prior to their auditions in order to determine what it is Mr. Adelson would like to hear.

For all practical purposes this professional gambler was laying the groundwork for a self-serving agenda. I find such publicly flagrant sucking up to be demeaning and shows disrespect for the office and offers an in-your-face attitude to those who care but have very limited resources.

And does anyone really believe that the winner(s) of the donor competition is not beholden to their financiers should they go on and come in first? The ties may be subtle but they will be there as millions of dollars has to buy something -- perception is everything!

As to where Republican allegiance lies, Paul Ryan’s latest budget proposal gives tax breaks to the already rich. People can read into this what they wish.