Stay N' Alive - Latest Comments in House Committee Seeks to Tighten the Content You Can See in Government

Re: House Committee Seeks to Tighten the Content You Can See in Government

jessestay — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:32:06 -0000

IANAL (neither is TechDirt, I believe - Culberson is, however), but
regardless, I welcome his mud slinging or whatever it is you call it. If
there are already restrictions in place then maybe this will help bring some
attention to that. My interpretation however is that the current
restrictions are already vague, which currently allow for him to Tweet while
on official business, etc (otherwise they wouldn't be proposing this
restriction - I believe much of it is in reponse to his existing Twittering
and Qikking on Capitol Hill). Whereas the new restrictions would require
every Tweet, Qik, etc. to be pre-approved by this committee. It's socialism
at its finest if you ask me.

Re: House Committee Seeks to Tighten the Content You Can See in Government

thomasz — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:23:52 -0000

More laws to govern our daily lives =[

Re: House Committee Seeks to Tighten the Content You Can See in Government

fuzzyman — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:57:08 -0000

Well, it's not as clear cut as that. TechDirt is of the opion that Culberson is utterly disingenuous here.

See:
http://techdirt.com/articles/20080708/160252162...

Their stance is that officially the rules *already* forbid it, the democrats are seeking clarification of outdated rules, and Culberson is using it as an opportunity to sling mud.

Re: House Committee Seeks to Tighten the Content You Can See in Government

jessestay — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:03:05 -0000

Representative Culberson, very great explanation - I agree, this is
essential and will affect not only our government, but we as bloggers. I'm
proud to have people like you represent Texas.

Re: House Committee Seeks to Tighten the Content You Can See in Government

John Culberson — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:54:22 -0000

Heres how the House leadership will use this rule to control where and what I say and even exercise influence over your website/blog etc

If the Ds rule change were in effect today, before I could post this, your website/blog would have to be preapproved as complying with House rules, my post would require a disclaimer that it was "produced by a House office for official purposes," and the CONTENT of my post would have to be preapproved by the House Franking Committee as complying with "existing content rules and regulations."

This is a violation of your First Amendment rights and mine, and is an outrageous attempt by House leadership to stifle and control you and me. If Rs were in charge I would be just as outraged - forget the party label - I do not want the federal gov't/House of Representatives certifying your website or the content of my posts. I am writing this post personally, in my official capacity, so it would fall precisely under their new rule and you and I would both be in violation unless we subjected ourselves and my words to their prior approval/editing.

I am always ready to admit I am wrong but I am an attorney and this is what the letter means.

This is a story worth following because I am going to continue to vigorously exercise my First Amendment rights on every social media outlet I can reach. Itis my right as an American and my duty as a representative.

thanks

John Culberson

Re: House Committee Seeks to Tighten the Content You Can See in Government

NanaWriteOn — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 18:50:36 -0000

Great post. The government is for the people, by the people and therefore must be heard and uncensored to the people. Keeping things in the light is best for everyone...
LdsNana