Protect free speech on the web - HR 1606

There is a real threat to speech on the web. Senator John McCain, having failed to get the money out of elections, is happy to let the courts take his next step.

McCain always said the intention of his McCain-Feingold campaign finance regulation increase was to stop Senators from unethical actions because they were corrupted by campaign contribution. Of course he would never name a Senator who was corrupted. And his bill was supposed to get the money out of campaigns. It was a rousing failure. There was more money spent in 2004. But it was forced into structures that are harder to oversee.

McCain-Feingold prevents you and me from taking out advertisements on an issue we are concerned if a politician is involved - always - and particularly in the days before an election. But McCain has special treatment for the press that fawns over him. The press is exempt. They can say whatever they want whenever they want.

There is every sign that McCain would love to apply his restrictions to bloggers to shut us up - you and me! When there were questions the Federal Election Commission voted 4-2 to exempt bloggers in 2002. But but U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly last fall overturned that decision. CNET - World mag http://www.worldmag.com/articles/10432

So the threat is still alive. CNET - Political Web ads may be curtailed

Right and Left and HR 1606

Bloggers Michael Krempasky and Markos Moulitsas Zúniga join hands across the left-right divide to urge Congress to act. Red State There is a bill in Congress to preserve our speech. HR 1606 expects a vote next week.