Freedom of speech and the future of this country

[nadinbrzezinski]

No, I will not defend what Randhi Rhodes said... and yes, AAR is fully in its right to do what they've done since she was acting in the capacity of an employee of AAR.

That said, to me the fact that this little tape... (and myriads of others) are ending up on the web has brought to sharp relief the fact that we now live in a new world... you may say a new world order. The fact that you have no clue who is recording YOU at any moment, and whether that will end up in You Tube, will have a chilling effect in public discourse

Yes, we have met big brother, and big brother is us... and trust me, this will completely change the dynamics... and in the coming years you will see less and less spontaneous anything, out of fear of you tube.

Enjoy this while it lasts, for the self censoring will start in earnest as soon as this is fully realized by the population.

[tazkcmo]

1. Good

If you can't say it to their face, don't say it all. If you are saying something you believe in then why would you care if people know?

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. I've lived by that philosophy for years

but you are missing the point.

This is not just about telling somebody what you think of them... and chances are 99% of the people WILL NOT meet a politician face to face and have the opportunity

I am expecting a chilling like oh... East Germany under the Stazy. Do you understand what that means?

I fear you don't

[leftofcool]

3. I hear ya!

[ThomWV]

4. For a smart politician there is the second choice

I agree that being constantly aware that what they say could find its way to the public eye might have a quieting effect on most politicians but somewhere one of them will realize that the other option is simply to be completely open. You can not lie, even a little, but you have nothing to fear if you are always completely truthful. That said who would not prefer a politician who was open in their beliefs to one who was unwilling to discuss issues in public?

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. I'm also talking of you and me

and how character assassinations (yes gone through a couple of those) become that much easier

And in order to avoid them people will have to stop posting online, or keep notes

And be aware that at any moment a yahoo that might benefit from character assassination MIGHT be filming you, or for that matter, the state

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. Update on this... aparently she was NOT acting as an AAR employee

according to the Program Director of the AAR affiliate in San Fran she was not working as an agent of AAR

So get your coat of gray paint out

Oh and you also have to take this into account... there have been talks in the background

Chilling indeed!!!!!!!!

[mmonk]

7. Yes, it was an affiliate function.

Anyway, nobody should be bullied off the air for off the air comment.

[nadinbrzezinski]

8. On principle I agree, but there are these contract obligations

why his coming on air and explaining this just added all kinds of shades of gray.

And this is why lawyers are now getting involved

And if AAR ain't too careful Mark Green will have to do all the programs... mostly due to lack of hosts

Hell, IF I were a host for AAR, right about now I'd be calling my agent and my lawyer... after all once... shit happens, but now it is a pattern