Judge: Palin condoms not protected speech

According to several outlets, a Manhattan judge has ruled that vendors charged with selling condoms whose packages feature likenesses of President Barack Obama, Senator John McCain, and former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin cannot use the First Amendment as a defense. New York Law Journal (via Law.com), says that the defendants claimed that their novelty product is similar to buttons and bumper stickers, which count as constitutionally protected free speech. The judge ruled that the packaging is commercial speech, not persuasive speech. All the interesting legal ramifications aside, the condoms come with catchy slogans. The Obama model is touted as "The Ultimate Stimulus Package," McCain's as "Old But Not Expired," and the Palin model is purportedly "As Thin As Her Resume." Read much more, here.