Barack Obama's people may be engaging in 'Pay to Play' politics, according to at least one Chicago media columnist. The view comes in response to the Obama Campaign's plans to charge big bucks to press members planning to cover his big election night rally in Grant Park. The 'Pay' required from media types who want to 'Play' (ie --cover his big party) reportedly ranges from 700 to 1800 dollars. That could greatly limit the press presence of some media outlets - like those currently dealing with layoffs and other cost-cutting measures. In other words, pretty much all of us -except, possibly, the 'national' press corps.

Granted, having the big event in Grant Park will not be an inexpensive endeavor (expect high costs for everything from security to clean-up). The City of Chicago, now facing a major budget crunch, can't be expected to foot the bill, can it? Though, so far no word from the Obama camp on what if anything it's going to be paying toward all of it (or whether that's partly what the big media fees are for).

Okay, but beyond all that, there is also something else to consider.

What about that whole first amendment 'Freedom of the Press' business? Generally, when we (the press) cover things, it is free. We do not pay to be there. We are there to represent the people who cannot be there; to document events. After all, we offer a public service that is constitutionally guaranteed under our democracy. Or in tough economic times, does everything go out the window?