I don't see what everyone is so upset about. Just because some
countries are suffering at the hands of conservatives does not mean that
any of the laws that they are proposing that are clearly
unconstitutional, and I refer to those in the U. S. and Canada because I
am familiar with them, will stand any sort of test.
All of the laws now proposed are against the consitution of the two
countries, especially by being over broad - which, for example, is why
the U. S. Justice department won't support the Exon proposals - and are
unenforceable.
We have withstood attacks on freedom before. Computer networks, so
far, have generally fallen into the same category as printed and spoken
words. Thus, they are protected in the same manner. The medium does
not make a difference.
The reason people are after computers is because certain people can
not control or manipulate the Internet the way they can buy air time on
radio and TV. The internet has been the most free of any of the media
and is the one way that anyone, even the poorest amongst us, can say
what we want to.
When people with certain interest in controlling and manipulating
what is said want to change laws to suit what they thing is "right" and
"correct", we all suffer.
If you remove your lists, they have succeeded in their goal: to
intimidate you into shutting up. If you shut up, you have surrendered
your right to free speech, and, in the process, have cost others their
rights as well.
I fear none of these people and I don't fear a law suit because I
know the law and can argue effectively for free speach, if the need
arises.
If you are the medium of expression, you can't be held responsible
for what is posted in an open forum unless you knowingly allow something
illegal to be posted, and provided that that item is really illegal, and
not open to moral judgement. And, it will have to be shown that this is
the case by the prosecution.
Enough said.
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** Geert K. Marien : [log in to unmask] (Bitnet: GKMQC@PUCC) **
** ListOwner: AIRLINE, NODEINFO, RAILROAD, STAMPS, The INDIA List **
** (All contents are my own opinions - unless otherwise stated) **
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