Are Political Blogs in Deep Trouble?
March 4, 2005 · By H. Cameron
In only a few months it may be illegal for webloggers to link to, discuss, and or forward information relating to a political campaign in the United States. Sound crazy? Read on,
The coming crackdown on blogging
Bradley Smith [one of six commissioners at the Federal Election Commission] says that the freewheeling days of political blogging and online punditry are over.In just a few months, he warns, bloggers and news organizations could risk the wrath of the federal government if they improperly link to a campaign’s Web site. Even forwarding a political candidate’s press release to a mailing list, depending on the details, could be punished by fines.
It sounds pretty far fetched to me as I doubtful anyone could enforce such a regulation and I question whether it would stand up against the First Amendment. Someone over at the The Iron Mouth claims its simply a game Bradley Smith is playing.
It’s Senator John McCain of McCain-Feingold campaign financing law fame who would support the FEC on this one. Why do you think blogs would find protection under First Amendment? It seems their after politically motivated blogs whose postings consist of partisan boosterism. If they share links to campaigns, and if they’re not registered with any one party, they just might fall under McCain-Feingold. Moreover, if they accept advertising money, like the ones I see above, corporations would have their lawyers over banning blogs asap.
If things might go grimly in the US, think of what could happen in Canada where by law only parties are allowed to engage in campaigns.
[...] l @ March 6, 2005
Some are concerned by the possibility that bloggers may be silenced during future US elections. Today, t [...]
In this discussion one ought constantly remind one’s self that “THE GOVERNMENT” is a puppet and it is misleading to attribute its own power to it. Rather, notice who the Puppet Masters are. They are the ones for whom THE GOVERNMENT is their instrument for grasping power, and they ought be the targets who to receive praise or blame. The right wing is increasingly determined to shut down free speech. To see an in-depth development of this theme, visit the three part Introductory Dialogue at: http://www.ot-mp.net
We stand on the brink of a right wing, religion energized, fascistic corporocracy. The liberals apparently aren’t aware that Jesus was a potent liberal. See the evidence at: http://www.ot-mp.net/notes.htm.....A%20LIBERA L
It is not possible to translate any of Jesus’ sermons, parables, and demonstrations into works (James 2: 18-26) without them being found solidly on the liberal side of the political ledger. SLEEPERS AWAKE!!!
[...] technology , culture
Some are concerned by the possibility that bloggers may be silenced during future US elections. Today, t [...]
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