Reporters who write about government surveillance could be prosecuted under proposed legislation that would solidify the administration's eavesdropping authority, according to some legal analysts who are concerned about dramatic changes in US law.The draft of this lovely bill states that people who knowingly broadcast or print information that discloses any information about Comrade Bush's surveillance programs can be subjected to felony prosecution and penalties of up to fifteen years in prison and one million dollars. The language of the bill does not specify whether or not the information may be classified or not. It also removes the burden of keeping secrets from the government: if the secret must remain secret, the press cannot print anything about it.
What the hell kind of hypocritical nation are we living in? We're gonna spread McFreedom all over the damn landscape, but by doing so, we are going to deny our own citizens the free press that is guaranteed them by the First Amendment. This is not a gray area: Congress shall make no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech; or of the press. This law, that Congress could pass as early as next week, WILL ABRIDGE THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. We cannot make it a penalty to open our government to citizen inquiry. Remember that whole "redress of grievances" thing? What about that? We can't ban assault weapons, because that would violate the second amendment. So: Terrorists can be armed with AK-47's, I can keep an Uzi in my house, but if I know my government is breaking the law and violating due process, I cannot share this information?
Everyone sing with me:
Oh Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love, in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise
The True North strong and free...
The lyrics to Oh Canada are found here. Immigration isn't so bad... hey, cheap healthcare!
I love my country, but sometimes I hate my "demagoguically" elected leaders.
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Currently playing on miPod - "Oh Canada," dammit.
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