IT’S NICE TO BE WELL THOUGHT OF
From Mike Krempasky, we have the definitive statement by those in favor of regulating blogs on what they really think of us:
Finally, we do not believe anyone described as a “blogger” is by definition entitled to the benefit of the press exemption. An individual writing material for distribution on the Internet may or may not be a press entity. While some bloggers may provide a function very similar to more classic media activities, and thus could reasonably be said to fall within the exemption, others surely do not . The test here should be the same test that the Commission has applied in other contexts - is the entity a “press entity” and is it acting in its “legitimate press function”?
Frankly, I could care less whether they want to define me as a “press entity,” which reminds me of something that Jean Luc Picard would be battling on Star Trek…
ATTACK OF THE PRESS ENTITY! Watch as this evil force consumes entire colonies. Will Data be able to figure out the creature’s weakness in time? Or will Picard succeed in communicating with it and discover it’s just a misunderstood evil force, not really dangerous?
Repeat after me; I will not obey any FEC regulations that restrict my freedom of speech.
I will not obey any FEC regulations that restrict my freedom of speech.
While I knew about this general issue, I haven’t been following it closely. Thus my belated signing up of the two blogs that I have a controlling interest in with the online coalition Krempasky helped set up may be a case of a day late and a dollar short. But, better late than never, I guess.
Last night I was checking the news via Yahoo.com and was pleased to see a short blurb about the RNC’s formal position that “most, if not all, blogs…” should be exempted from this FEC farce. Not sure what the DNC’s formal position is… I presume it’s similar. If so then who the heck is driving this crusade to silence the masses?
Comment by Kevin — 6/4/2005 @ 2:29 pm
I will not obey any FEC regulations that restrict my freedom of speech.
Comment by Jay — 6/4/2005 @ 2:33 pm
In answer to your question, here’s one powerful group, the Campaign Legal Center which is run by former counsel for McCain:
http://www.campaignlegalcenter.org/press-1554.html
They represent a mindset that says political speech should be regulated because the American people are too stupid to not be swayed by dishonest claims made by non-journalists.
They are reprehensible creatures who deserve to be boiled in oil.
Comment by Rick Moran — 6/4/2005 @ 2:43 pm
Well… I’m not so sure that there aren’t a lot of Americans too ignorant to not be swayed by dishonest claims. Some of Jay’s readers would seem to be a classic example. But, the gullibility of a few or a lot of Americans is irrelevant to our freedom of speech, as you know. So, it’s an insipid premise that the Campaign Legal Center is starting from.
BTW, it’s worth pointing out that just because there are ex-McCain staffers involved doesn’t imply approval by McCain. Some of his former campaign workers came out and openly criticized him last summer when he was stumping for Bush.
I know, I know… you didn’t imply that McCain approves of this. I’m just throwing that out because I know darn well that some will make that leap without thinking.
Comment by Kevin — 6/4/2005 @ 3:12 pm
Kevin: I read, I thought, I’m making the leap. Always watch out for mccain!
Comment by diamond — 6/4/2005 @ 3:19 pm
Although I certainly don’t agree with him on every issue, I happen to admire Senator McCain very much. He is one of the very, very few members of Congress from either side who seem capable of making their own decisions without having to check with the party leadership first. That’s what I look for in a politician. Should my ballot ever list the RNC and DNC as candidates, then I will begin to respect the rest of the herd. Until then, I’ll reserve my respect for those honest and courageous enough to be their own person. McCain is one such politician IMHO.
Comment by Kevin — 6/4/2005 @ 3:42 pm
This whole topic points out the inanity of campaign finance “reform.” While I understand they are trying to keep politicians from operating as fake independent bloggers, the whole notion of bridling political speech is anathema to any red-blooded American.
Moreover the idea is risibly unenforceable. There are thousands of new blogs springing up every day, and many of them are domiciled overseas. Ed Morrissey has already shown the folly of attempting to inhibit the freedom of the press across borders.
Comment by Fresh Air — 6/4/2005 @ 4:48 pm
I will not obey any FEC regulations that restrict my freedom of speech.
My Master.
Seriously Rick, Kevin, Jay, Diamond, all: What astonishes me is that, even with Rathergate/Memogate, Blairgate, Glassgate, Korangate, Dateline NBC’s Gastankgate in 1992-93 — and how ever many more -gates yet to be discovered or perpetrated — the mainstreem ‘press’ still receives respect through that moniker as a matter of government policy and law.
The irony boggles.
Comment by The MaryHunter — 6/5/2005 @ 6:17 am
I will not obey any FEC regulations that restrict my freedom of speech!
The gub’mint better start treading lightly. Too many people are getting more than irritated with the insidious tentacles of gub’mint regulation and restriction.
Don’t you send those tentacles into MY life: you’ll bloody well draw back a nub!
[Cat soothes her ruffled fur and sheathes her claws]
*pft!* to them!
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