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.
I’d take the dog any day of the week.
“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.”
By god he’s talking about the DU and MoveOn. Wonder how they’ll feel being regulated.
“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.”
Amazing. Three blue state republicans voted for the stimulus package, therefore they announce they have an opening” and freedom of expression is dead. I used to feel like vomiting when these people people referred to themselves as “civil libertarians.” I even thought they might be kidding themselves. But now they aren’t even bothering to disguise their intentions.
I’ve heard your reasoning many times but is false. Are you
rationalizing not voting for McCain?
McCain would not have voted for this absurd “stimulus”
McCain would not have proposed slashing the military.
McCain would not see the fairness doctrine reimposed.
The DOW would not be in collapse over 2000 pts. since the election.
The census would not have been coopted by the ultra left.
The damage done to this country might be irreversible. There is no guarantee that Republicans will win back
any seats in 2010 or 2012. The left is in firm control.
He looks like a fruit bat...
The internet is part of the town square.
This should go before the Supremes as soon as it is possible. No sense messing around with it. Throw it into their laps immediately after enacted.
She said it's time.
Deck Simian...
I agree. Include me in the PM’s.......
“Grisham is about as far left as you can get. I watched him on Bill Moyer’s (I know, I don’t know why I do it to myself) and Grisham was further left than Moyers. I’ll never watch another Grisham movie or read one of his books again.”
I agree. Even though Grisham’s books are good (well written and good stories), he really ticks me off with his constant bashing of Republicans.
Not all Jews are alike. Some work for Satan and some don’t. The Commies ones work for Satan.
The seeds for a new civil war being planted RIGHT NOW.
Amen to that!
The Nose is really beginning to get obnoxious. WTH was Kalifornia thinking in re-electing him?
“One knowledgeable source claims that 8 million Americans are now listed in Main Core as potentially suspect. In the event of a national emergency, these people could be subject to everything from heightened surveillance and tracking to direct questioning and possibly even detention.”
Interesting read. Thanks for that link.
Oh wait...silly me...they would be exempted under Waxman's legislation and only Conservative sites would be applicable.
Doh!
See you all in the gulags---I get first dibs on a bottom bunk.
Wow, I’m confused again.
Are liberals Socialists or Fascists?
Really dumb question, but can an ISP be sued for infringing on Free Speech through censorship on their end? We would scream bloody murder about book censorship at the library. The books are there and available to read, it is the individual who decides which to ‘checkout.’ Censorship of the information super highway by Waxman or an ISP provider infringes on our basic Rights.
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