The return of Newt Skywalker

Politico ^ | 12/11/2011 | Michelle Quinn

[JediJones]

Twenty years ago, Gingrich’s appreciation of technology was more novel among Republicans, showing that there was a conservative libertarian interest in preserving the burgeoning Internet from efforts to regulate it. At the time, Gingrich talked up the transformative power of the Internet and a world where schools and hospitals would be wired.

In 1996, Gingrich — then the speaker of the House — resisted an attempt to fight porn on the Internet.

When the Senate began to push for the Communications Decency Act of 1996, Gingrich put up a roadblock that helped undermine the act, which was later struck down by the Supreme Court. The act, introduced by then-Sen. Jim Exon (D-Neb.), would have made indecent materials on the Internet illegal and made intermediaries — such as Internet service providers — responsible for policing content on the Web.

Some saw this effort as trying to apply rules of broadcast television to the Internet. Gingrich said then that the bill would not protect children but would impinge on the rights of adults. Gingrich pushed for an alternative that emphasized parental education.

"He should be credited with helping to promote a solution to come out against regulation that would have thwarted free speech and the vibrant Internet we know today,” said Jerry Berman, founder of the Center for Democracy and Technology, one of the first cyber liberties groups.

Gingrich has an enthusiastic appreciation of technology, particularly as a way for the masses to circumvent traditional media and upend institutions like government.

“He would probably be the most knowledgeable president on technology issues ever elected,” said Bob Walker, former chairman of the House Science Committee. “He can talk about technology in the 1800s, the 1900s and what it's doing today.” “He has a natural inclination to learn, and I think that shows.”

[womanvet]

>>Something needs to be done<<

Yes, something needs to be done, but it needs to be done by the family, not by the government. If I allow the government to tell my children that they can't read porn, how will I stop the government from telling them they can't read the Constitution?

It is up to me (us) to set standards for our families, not for Washington (or Tallahassee, or Vierra or any form of government)

[womanvet]

no. NO NO!

I will not vote for Romney. NEVER! Not ever. NO, under no circumstances.

"I pledge to vote (R) against Romney. How ‘bout you? How ‘bout everyone else?"

There, fixed it for FReepers

[papasmurf]

What options do you have? If it’s him or 0bama, who do you vote for? No one? You’re a Floridian. You well know how important every vote is.

What will you do?

Like I said...of the current crap that we have to chose from, I’m in the Gingrich camp. But, come the general, I’m in the (R) camp.