From The Mouth Of A Democratic Congressman...
by Vince Daliessio
I saw this today on BoingBoing, and frankly, I'm astonished;
Rep. John Conyers: Bloggers have rights too
BB pal Brad King points us to this op-ed on freedom of speech and blogs by Congressman John Conyers, and says,
I thought this was interesting, particularly since the courts seem to have forgotten about that whole First Amendment, freedom of the press thing. After all, our boy Thomas "these are the times that try men's souls" Paine wasn't a journalist. He was an old fashioned blogger -- leaflets and pamphlet style.
The op-ed here;
http://news.com.com/Bloggers+have+rights+too/2010-1034_3-5632544.html?tag=nefd.ac
Predictably, Conyers still doesn't get the big picture though;
Unfortunately, today in two separate arenas--campaign finance laws and the legal privileges accorded to journalists to protect confidential sources--bloggers' free speech rights are at risk. It is incumbent on the Federal Election Commission, legislatures, and the courts to ensure these rights are protected for Internet-based media.
The FEC is currently considering bloggers' role as journalists as it intersects with the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, or BCRA. Late last year, the District Court for the District of Columbia overturned the FEC's blanket exemption of the Internet from campaign finance law.
Congressman, why must freedom of speech be restricted to journalists only? What if I have a blog, and I don't want to be called a journalist? What if I prefer to keep more principled company?
The FEC must therefore decide whether to characterize Web reporters as members of the press warranting a BCRA exemption similar to that of the print and broadcast media. I recently wrote a letter along with 13 of my colleagues urging the FEC to apply the press exemption to the Internet, and Sen. Harry Reid has introduced legislation to this effect.
Mr. Conyers, I don't want an EXEMPTION, I want you to follow the CONSTITUTION;
Amendment I - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Ratified 12/15/1791
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.