Mike Krempasky of RedState.org reminds bloggers and readers that the comment period for proposed Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules is almost up.
You may recall back in March we learned that the FEC was considering new rules that would regulate political communication on the Internet under the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform law, which means that bloggers would be subject to the regulations as well. Political blogging (news and commentary) and linking to political sites could be considered campaign activity. Such regulations would seriously curtail the flow of free expression in political debates and discussions.
A bipartisan group of bloggers drafted an online petition urging the FEC to grant bloggers a media exemption and “that the FEC promulgate a rule exempting unpaid political activity on the Internet from regulation, thereby guaranteeing every American’s right to speak freely and participate in our democratic process.”
Fundamental to our system of government is the freedom of speech to criticize our government, elected officials, each other, and to support our candidates of choice without being fined and penalized for the privilege. In March I wrote that this threat to our First Amendment rights is something liberal and conservative bloggers and readers can agree on. Let’s stand together.
For background on this issue, see these related posts:
- Bloggers United Against the FEC – Online Coalition
- FEC v. The Loud and Unruly
- Liberal and Conservative Bloggers United
Also see RedState.org’s FEC category and Protect Online Political Speech.
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And I read something this afternoon concerning the city of San Francisco’s attempt to regulate bloggers. Even though we all knew in our hearts it would die, http://www.overlawyered.com, said it was officially dead today. That’s good news from a lawyer.
George Will once noted that campaign finance laws are really an effort by the government to ration free speech.
Nowadays if you want protected free speech, put a crucifix in a jar of urine (or flush a Bible). Blogging might bring legal penalties – if the feds get their way.
Thanks for the heads up, I’ve signed.
“You may recall back in March we learned that the FEC was considering new rules that would regulate political communication on the Internet under the Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform law, which means that bloggers would be subject to the regulations as well.”
I don’t see why blogs should get different treatment than others.
You’re absolutely correct, Actus. Blogs and TV and radio and print media should all be treated the same, by seeing to it that the whole Campaign Finance (non)Reform act is sent to the dustbin. It was poorly conceived, poorly written, solves nothing, and acts in direct opposition to the 1st Amendment.
RedBeard,
So does San Francisco’s law saying “You can’t say anything that might offend anyone” (basically)…..So does the whole PC movement……but that doesn’t stop them from enacting it.
Dan
If blogs and tv are treated the same, should they be required to give equal access in advertisings?
Actus, what kind of question is that?
Broadcast TV operates on a public bandwidth. Bloggers are private — IOW, free to discriminate.
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