Posted on 02/16/2009 6:59:38 PM PST by kristinn
The American Spectator's Prowler column published today has a disturbing report on the plans by the Democratic Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee Henry Waxman to regulate political speech on the Internet.
In addition to details of methods Waxman is considering to rein in conservative talk radio, The Prowler reports on Waxman's desire to use the power of the federal government to investigate amd control political content on the Internet.
The article quotes an unnamed committee staffer as saying of Waxman's power grab:
"Does one heavily trafficked Internet site present one side of an issue and not link to sites that present alternative views? These are some of the questions the chairman is thinking about right now, and we are going to have an FCC that will finally have the people in place to answer them."
"Internet radio is becoming a big deal, and we're seeing that some web sites are able to control traffic and information, while other sites that may be of interest or use to citizens get limited traffic because of the way the people search and look for information. We're at very early stages on this, but the chairman has made it clear that oversight of the Internet is one of his top priorities."
"This isn't just about Limbaugh or a local radio host most of us haven't heard about. The FCC and state and local governments also have oversight over the Internet lines and the cable and telecom companies that operate them. We want to get alternative views on radio and TV, but we also want to makes sure those alternative views are read, heard and seen online, which is becoming increasingly video and audio driven. Thanks to the stimulus package, we've established that broadband networks -- the Internet -- are critical, national infrastructure. We think that gives us an opening to look at what runs over that critical infrastructure."
The article reports that Waxman intends to work with Democratic Party President Barack Hussein Obama's nominee to be chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, Julius Genachowski, who is awaiting confirmation by the Democrat controlled Senate, to investigate and regulate free speech on the Internet.
Jawohl !
Mr. Waxman, kindly remove your government nose from the private business of citizens.
Now that is interesting
Waxman in indeed among the lead PIGS of Animal Farm.
It won’t go away as long as DU exists...but that’s not what bugs me, it’s the asinine statement that by default any internet site, talk radio et al have to be “fair”....why? Is the person reading not free to choose to find news/info/comments/opinions elsewhere without harm to them? Of course, that’s the entire premise of a FREE COUNTRY for crying out loud...
It is seriously like we’re in a sick and twisted episode of the Twilight Zone and the theme song and initial credits haven’t even been played and the worst is yet to come.
I heard Graham, but McCain would never sign legislation to stiffle free speech, Obama will do it in a heart beat... you allowed your two main issues get in the way of your common sense and people like you cost us the election and now our country is headed for worse than socialism, much worse.
I'm imagining the total shitstorm that would have hit had this been mentioned in February,2001. This is some dangerously retrograde stuff here.
May he be blinded by the light...
Yes, the Second American Revolution will soon begin if Waxman and crew push much further.
BTW, Mark Levin discussed your posted article in detail on his nationally syndicated radio show tonight. Understandably, he was giving Waxman hell!
I've been thinking the same thing. Blitz socialism for a year then moderate before the elections. then bliz, then moderate. They know election campaigns are getting longer so they have to operate faster and do it quick before people realize it. actually the sheeple will not ever notice it unless people like us have enough time to wake people up.
The article quotes an unnamed committee staffer as saying of Waxman's power grab:
"Does one heavily trafficked Internet site present one side of an issue and not link to sites that present alternative views? These are some of the questions the chairman is thinking about right now, and we are going to have an FCC that will finally have the people in place to answer them."
"Internet radio is becoming a big deal, and we're seeing that some web sites are able to control traffic and information, while other sites that may be of interest or use to citizens get limited traffic because of the way the people search and look for information. We're at very early stages on this, but the chairman has made it clear that oversight of the Internet is one of his top priorities."
"This isn't just about Limbaugh or a local radio host most of us haven't heard about. The FCC and state and local governments also have oversight over the Internet lines and the cable and telecom companies that operate them. We want to get alternative views on radio and TV, but we also want to makes sure those alternative views are read, heard and seen online, which is becoming increasingly video and audio driven. Thanks to the stimulus package, we've established that broadband networks -- the Internet -- are critical, national infrastructure. We think that gives us an opening to look at what runs over that critical infrastructure."
The fascist rats are moving too fast.I disagree. It's the political version of Blitzkrieg. They'll get all their crazy policies into law before the American people wake up. By then it will be too late.
Regulating Free Speech is an oxymoron.
You remember one, or maybe a few knocks. Drop ‘em. Be more confident in your own opinion.
Waxman is the real Batman.....
Sight in your rifle, stock up on ammo and be ready.
So first we lose the SECOND AMMENDMENT, NOW THE FIRST AMMENDMENT?!! Madison must be rolling in his grave :(
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