All Us Poster's Should Take A Look At This - HR 1996

[Funseeker]

First, if this is posted in the wrong forum, I'm sorry.  But since it's not 2nd Amendment related, I figured this was the right place.

I only post this because this could be the start of an attack on our 1st Amendment Right's.  If passed, our posts on various forum's blogs etc.could be used against us.  http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:H.R.1966:  Here's an partial quote:
"Sec. 881. Cyberbullying

      `(a) Whoever transmits in interstate or foreign commerce any communication, with the intent to coerce, intimidate, harass, or cause substantial emotional distress to a person, using electronic means to support severe, repeated, and hostile behavior, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.

      `(b) As used in this section--

            `(1) the term `communication' means the electronic transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user's choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received; and

            `(2) the term `electronic means' means any equipment dependent on electrical power to access an information service, including email, instant messaging, blogs, websites, telephones, and text messages.'."

As I'm not an attorney, nor have I ever played one on TV,  legal scholars far more knowledgeable than I need to address the potential impact of this legislation.  But I thought it was important enough to at least draw attention to it.

Albeit well intentioned, it's application, as written is waaayyy to broad and all encompassing.

[mudman]

                                                                         C L I C K

[Green Mountain Gringo]

Cyber bullying, as weird as it is seems to be something that should be illegal, or at least some form of line drawn to help those being bullied to sue the bullier.....errr bully

I'm a nice guy, and I play one on TV. 

[Hazcat]

Cyber bullying, as weird as it is seems to be something that should be illegal, or at least some form of line drawn to help those being bullied to sue the bullier.....errr bully

I'm a nice guy, and I play one on TV. 

Yeah! Well if ya don't shut up I'll type LOUDER!  Ya Milquetoast!

[Funseeker]

Cyber bullying, as weird as it is seems to be something that should be illegal, or at least some form of line drawn to help those being bullied to sue the bullier.....errr bully.  I'm a nice guy, and I play one on TV. 

I agree that giving the proper tools to prosecute cyber bullying are necessary, but this thing is so broadly worded, the potential for abuse appears staggering.  Especially since Homeland Security issued the now infamous "you could be a terrorist if.." memorandum.  (Not that anybody in the DOJ would be so inclined to do that.......... )

[Sponsor]

[tt11758]

I agree that giving the proper tools to prosecute cyber bullying are necessary, but this thing is so broadly worded, the potential for abuse appears staggering.  Especially since Homeland Security issued the now infamous "you could be a terrorist if.." memorandum.  (Not that anybody in the DOJ would be so inclined to do that.......... )

Especially after some of the more loving things I've written read about our beloved President on this, and other boards.   

[JC5123]

This is exactly why I rail against hate crime legislation. This violates the first amendment. This prosecutes you for thought. My main argument is that hate is a motive, not a crime, and the first amendment exist specifically to protect that speech which you might find offensive.

Someone might also make the argument that this violates the 5th amendment, in that you would be incriminated for something you might have said, even if you are innocent of any real crime. If they pass this one, it may be time to remind them of something we all know instinctively. The 2nd amendment exists in case the first one is violated...

[Rastus]

This is exactly why I rail against hate crime legislation. This violates ............

And the next step is.........
Such a mean spirit.  The government needs to keep an eye on you....I bet you are dangerous.  I know what you are thinking...you must be charged and punished for those thoughts.  Officer, that man made an ugly face at me, he threatened me...you never know what a dangerous person like that might do...arrest that bad man.

[tombogan03884]

 If the little wimps can't take harsh language they ain't got a chance in the REAL world.
Get ready to say good bye to the 1st amendment between this and the Fairness doctrine. And those gutless fat bastards called voters won't care as long as it doesn't interfere with "Lost" or "American Idol".
"But it's for the children"  BS

[Kid Shelleen]

What a load of free speech curtailing crap.

Kid Anonymous