FEC treads into sticky web of political blogs

Yahoo News ^ | May 31, 2005 | Dawn Withers

[Always Right]

Too much free speech going around

[Steve_Seattle]

"Speaking for the majority, Justice Souter said that political speech, unlike pornography, has a divisive effect on society and is thus subject to regulation by government. Souter cited the constitutions of China and North Korea in support of the majority's position that 'unregulated political speech has a corrosive effect on governmental policies intended to promote economic justice,' and that 'sacrificing individual opinions in order to promote broad social objectives is a cherished American tradition.'" (sarcasm - from a hypothetical ruling circa 2010)

[the anti-liberal]

a hypothetical ruling circa 2010

Sounds like you've got the beginnings of a scrappleface article. :^)

[murdoog]

I am sure this place had absolutely nothing to do with Sen Reid and the Democrats attack on bloggers.

Actually, Reid is on the right side of this issue. From the original article:

The final version of the rules is expected later this year, unless Congress intervenes to exempt the Internet from FEC regulation, as is wanted by lawmakers including Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)

[Just A Nobody]

Thanks JJ...grrrrr

[Just A Nobody]

Why don't they just tear up the rest of the Constitution and be done with it.

Patience ... they're working on it.

[vox_freedom]

...including Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.)

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes...

[The_Eaglet]

We need legislation that clearly spells out that the blogosphere is hands-off regarding political speech. The First Amendment and the legislative powers clause in the Constitution apparently are not enough.

[Valin]

Draft rules from the Federal Election Commission, which enforces campaign finance laws, would require that paid political advertisements on the Internet declare who funded the ad, as television spots do.

Right off the top of my head I don't have a real problem with this...BUT this far and no farther.

[Valin]

Draft rules from the Federal Election Commission, which enforces campaign finance laws, would require that paid political advertisements on the Internet declare who funded the ad, as television spots do.

It wouldn't affect us (for now) as Jim doesn't take "paid political advertisements". Of course we could be looking at the nose of the camel coming into the tent.

[Valin]

Thanks

[The_Eaglet]

You're welcome.

[expatguy]

From my cold dead fingers...

An American Expat in Southeast Asia