relatively good news:
The Federal Election Commission decided Monday that the nation’s new campaign finance law will not apply to most political activity on the Internet.
In a 6-0 vote, the commission decided to regulate only paid political ads placed on another person’s Web site.
The decision means that bloggers and online publications will not be covered by provisions of the new election law. Internet bloggers and individuals will therefore be able to use the Internet to attack or support federal candidates without running afoul of campaign spending and contribution limits.
On the other hand: isn’t it sad as hell that this is the extent of a victory for our rights? Why did it have to come to a government commission to realize that people can say whatever they want online? How exactly is them even having a say in matters like this compatible with the 1st Amendment?
In the immediate term this is good because our views won’t be scrutinized, but for the big picture this isn’t a victory moreso than a pause. They could change their minds at a whim, & even more “reform” is being discussed all the time. We have to stay alert.
tags: blogging, “Campaign+Finance+Reform”, Federal+Election+Commission, US+politics, US+Constitution]]>
