October 10, 2005

Not a Blogger?

Read the following and tell me if a "blogger" would fall under this definition:

...any entity that disseminates information by print, broadcast, cable, satellite, mechanical, photographic, electronic, or other means and that publishes a newspaper, book, magazine, or other periodical in print or electronic form; operates a radio or television station (or network of such stations), cable system, or satellite carrier, or channel or programming service for any such station, network, system, or carrier; or operates a news agency or wire service." The legislation also covers employees, contractors or other persons who "gathers, edits, photographs, records, prepares, or disseminates news or information for any such entity.

This is the definition of a journalist in a draft of a piece of legislation entitled the Free Flow of Information Act of 2005 and co-sponsored by Senator Richard Lugar (R-Ind.). It is intented as a Federal shield law to protect journalists from certain types of prosecution. According to Senator Lugar, bloggers would "probably not" be considered journalists under such a definition. I'm assuming that the term "entity" isn't considered to be an individual person.

I have an idea. Maybe...just maybe...the First Amendment should just be enforced as is. However, this legislation could potentially segment the population and label journalists as the only ones that can exercise a government approved form of "free" speech. That sounds...um...American...right?

Sure...the intentions of this legislation sound good, but we all know where good intentions will get you.

Comments:

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Well, I'm sure King George had good intentions too. But thankfully Thomas Paine had some "Common Sense".

Amendment I of the US constitution:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."

OK, so some of these blogs where we assemble aren't exactly 'peaceable' in their attempts to petition the government for a redress, but other than that...I don't see a need to further regulate.

Posted by: Kay Brooks at October 11, 2005 09:32 PM

We will always have 'free' speech...it's just that shipping and handling will be $5.00 per item and batteries are not included. *snark*

Posted by: Paul at October 12, 2005 03:02 PM