lobbying reform bill Section 220 of S. 1

[ngant17]

I saw this recently at:

http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/

"The lobbying reform bill Section 220 of S. 1...the lobbying reform bill now before the Senate, that, if passed, will require bloggers and others communicating online to 500 or more people to register and report quarterly to Congress just as lobbyists must do.

The legislation's on hold, but it follows from Senator John McCain's proposed "Stop the Online Exploitation of Our Children's Act" that will fine bloggers up to $300,000 for posting offensive statements, photos and videos online. This is thinly veiled hardball to stifle anti-war voices, under the guise of protecting children.

McCain's bill is a leading Republican's effort to regulate online speech and let the federal government decide what parts are acceptable and what are not with heavy fines imposed on violators. At the same time, it's quite acceptable for government, Pentagon and corporate media propagandists to promote wars and anti-populist programs through the internet or in any other way. If the McCain legislation or Section 220 of S. 1 passes, the only voices heard online will be those supporting government policy while critics Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff calls "dissaffected people living in the United States (developing) radical ideologies and potentially violent skills" will be banned. That includes the web site posting this article. ..."

Any comments on this?

[napi21]

1. WHAT?????? What does that really mean?

Is DU considered a blog? Does Congress REALLY want ALL of US to register? Hmmm, I think we need to look a little closer at this. It looks like we may be looking at a lot of "unintended consequences"!

[ngant17]

2. I hope some Dems will be looking at this

and will respond accordingly. Sounds like a Patriot Act III in disguise.