Breaking the new anti-free speech law.

Free Republic | 03/23/02 | Jim Robinson

[Jim Robinson]

There have been several posts recently advocating a plan to engage in illegal activities, that is, to break the new law restricting our free speech rights. Though I sympathize with the posters, Free Republic is not to be used to advocate illegal activities, thus these posts have all been deleted.

However, should this clearly unconstitutional bill become the law of the land, I may choose to break it myself, but I would never encourage anyone else to break it. And I definitely would not recommend anyone use the internet to engage in the planning or execution of illegal acts. This would only be inviting trouble.

Thanks,

Jim

[weikel]

Won't we breaking it every day( in the 60 day "free speech ban") by criticizing incumbents if this law goes into effect?

[McGavin999]

We don't need to break the law Jim. As I read it, corporations are forbidden to make contributions and may not advertise 60 days before an election. Since most media outlets are corporations, this would include them. Time spent discussing issues and candidates should be considered "in kind" contributions. Therefore, if the media mentions candidates or issues they would be breaking the law.

Perhaps we could be instrumental in seeing to it that any media outlet that was not absolutely fair to all candidates and parties be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I believe that would include jail time for the corporate officers and the board of directors. :o)

[GeronL]

It would give you a year or 2 to find a way to air an ad (in Fresno) on TV or radio. I hope you can spend the money without hampering Free Republic. How small a market in Fresno?

[Jim Robinson]

I don't know. I believe it applies to broadcast media. I do not think it applies to what individuals say on the internet. Not even McCain would be that nuts (I hope).

[GeronL]

no, the press will be exempted no matter what the law actually says

[weikel]

Don't put any evil beyond lawyers the internet will soon be classified as a "broadcast medium" you watch.

[Jim Robinson]

My guess is, if this becomes law the broadcast media will not even accept the so-called illegal advertising. It would probably be next to impossible to break that portion of the law.

[Travis McGee]

It's sure going to be an interesting ride!

[fivetoes]

This is a much more fun way to express yourself! And it is not illegal, YET!

[GeronL]

there's got to be a station or a show somewhere that would do it. Anyways, I wonder what they'd think of a streaming audio webcast running ads for someone??

[blackbart1]

I believe it applies to broadcast media.

You may be right but according to Rush it doesn't effect broadcast media because there are no "contributions" I guess. I hope Rush is right because

[Lurker]

The internet will be next Jim. Once they manage to muzzle challengers to incumbents via broadcast media, they will turn their eyes on folks like thee and me. I guarantee it.

L

[diotima]

Two words: "RADIO FR"

We are the media NOW! Yahoo!!!!

[LarryLied]

I miss protesting. How about picketing newspapers with signs asking why they can say whatever they want but we can't? Might enlist radio stations in the cause. They are banned from running some political ads while newspapers are not.

[diotima]

DISCLAIMER: RADIO FR will not break any laws. We will be allowed to report and editorialize, however. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

[weikel]

He is right this is not tinfoil stuff this country is quickly becoming the Soviet Union before our very eyes maybe SCOTUS will strike down that part of the bill but I am very cynical. Russia looks promising...

[Sabertooth]

There have been several posts recently advocating a plan to engage in illegal activities, that is, to break the new law restricting our free speech rights. Though I sympathize with the posters, Free Republic is not to be used to advocate illegal activities, thus these posts have all been deleted.

Totally understandable.

There will be appropriate challenges to CFR, and those who wish to engage in civil disobedience can do so on their own. But during those days, it's going to be crucial to keep FR squeaky clean, because many other alternative voices might be shut down for a while.

Thanks, Jim.

[TomGuy]

Don't put any evil beyond lawyers the internet will soon be classified as a "broadcast medium" you watch

I can see it now:

Sorry folks, I can't post any more today. My lawyer has to be in court.

[Sabertooth]

(((ping))))