The House debated a bill on the future of political blogging and it's relationship to free speech and campaign finance. Some political blogs make big money in ad revenues and some have been worried about the relationship for purposes of controlling campaign finance. The AP wire via the Herald Leader ran the story.
Political speech should be protected as an absolute. While money is the only real way to get elected, blogs and the Internet are the last bastion of free speech because while money is prevalent, the venues are wide open. Even in countries with hard speech laws, the message gets through stronger than ever before and will eventuall prevail.
The good news is that the bill passed.
ReplyDeleteTbe bad news is that only 46 Democrats voted in FAVOR of it.
Wait a second, I think I had my own facts wrong. It did not pass but where were the Dems on this issue?
ReplyDeleteBloggers are starting to be listened to...
ReplyDeleteThey are having impact on how people think...
They are serving as the means for social change...
THEY MUST BE STOPPED FOR THE GREATER GOOD!!!
Translation, Bloggers are usually a bit brighter than most and are paying attention to what's going on. The Politicos of BOTH sides are afraid of those who think.
Please follow the below link for a rather farcical if accurate Retro view...
http://www.eff.org/deeplinks/archives/004105.php
The bill was defeated. It required two thirds of the House and it failed to get that tally. Only 46 Democrats voted in favor of the bill. Many, like Nancy Pelosi had no problems voting against the bill. Our local rep, Chandler did vote for it, which was a good thing. Some of his voting in recent months I've had some real problems with. It's weird that I'm siding with the Republicans but Denny Hastert, the Speaker of the House has started his own blog and I agreed with his post on the blogging law.
ReplyDeleteIf people want to look back to one of my 10/5 posts, I posted a recent speech by Al Gore. He's got it right. The Internet is one of those rare forums where anyone can participate right now. Even the homeless could go visit a public library and start a blog or post on a forum. EVERYONE can have voice in this country. I'm saddened that the Democrats in this case failed to realize this. I suppose I should write Pelosi or someone and tell them what a crucial mistake they made but I think it would be pointless. They're the one's missing out because of their shortsightedness.
I favored HR 1606 myself.
ReplyDelete