The Online Coalition, a group of bloggers from all sides of the political spectrum have put out a call to action to Protect Free Speech Online: Stop H.R. 4194.
In the wake of last week's defeat of the Hensarling bill (H.R. 1606), the "reform" community is pushing this abomination of a bill. From the analysis post at the Online coalition:
federal candidates as political committees
• It would stifle technological innovation. H.R. 4914 specifically mentions “blogging”, but ignores such as already-widely used technologies like podcasting, wikis and peer-to-peer networks, let alone the technologies of tomorrow.
• Its alleged protection to incorporated bloggers offers no real protection. In comments filed before the FEC, supporters of H.R. 4194 have stated explicitly that those websites which endorse, expressly advocate, and urge readers to donate funds to the election of preferred candidates do not qualify for protection under the law. This would force bloggers that speak forcefully about politics to seek legal counsel – a complete disaster.
This measure is a smokescreen designed to confuse the issue and prevent better laws from passing. Call your Representatives in Congress and make sure they understand that H.R. 4194 is unacceptable.
If you ever blog or intend to blog about politics or even if you don't blog about politics, call or email your Congressman (find your Representatives here) and tell them to vote against H.R. 4194.
Linked to: Jo's Cafe, the Political Teen, TMH Bacon Bits, Don Surber
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