What was struck down was Congress passing a law that restricts speech and the rational as published by the court clearly shows this is why the law was struck down.  McCain-Feingold does restrict speech and does so in fairly arbitrary manners.  I like the fact that McCain-Feingold attempted to "do something" but the court has ruled that how it does it is unlawful per the 1st amendment.<p>1st amendment: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."<p>It is critical when we talk about free speech in the U.S. to understand that this freedom is limited to Congress not making laws restricting speech.  It does not mean others cannot limit speech.<p>For example, the case with "Bong Hits for Jesus", the court did not have to rule in the same manner as Congress did not pass a law limiting this speech, but rather a specific school made the decision on controlling student behavior.