Daily Kos

View Story | 54 comments

  •  my email to FEC (none / 0)

    I urge you not to regulate political speech on the internet. Over the last three years I have come to rely substantially on the internet for news and political analysis. The internet contains an infinite diversity of information and opinion from every color of the political spectrum and every degree of credibility and quality from the ranting of crazy people to analysis and reporting that have proven to be more accurate than the mainstream broadcast media. I sort through all of this using my own intelligence and values. If a wealthy individual or corporation finances a web site to help or hurt a political candidate, I am smart enough to evaluate this for myself. There is never a shortage of contrary opinions and information readily available over the internet with which to weigh any issue. This contrasts with broadcast media. There are only three cable news outlets and three broadcast news programs, and these are usually focusing on the same trite stories such as the runaway bride. Political advertisements on television exist in a relative vacuum of relevant information with which to evaluate their content. FEC regulations are absolutely necessary for the wealth dominated medium of television. The same rationale simply doesn't apply to the internet.

    Please do not hinder free speech on the internet. It is the only democratic medium we have, providing a relatively level playing field to all voices regardless of wealth. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

    •  thanks. (none / 0)

      I hope others follow in your path.  Just a reminder:

      "DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 3, 2005. The Commission will hold a hearing on the proposed rules on June 28-29, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. Anyone wishing to testify at the hearing must file written comments by the due date and must include a request to testify in the written comments.

      ADDRESSES: All comments must be in writing, must be addressed to Mr. Brad C. Deutsch, Assistant General Counsel, and must be submitted in either electronic, facsimile, or hard copy form.  Commenters are strongly encouraged to submit comments electronically to ensure timely receipt and consideration. Electronic comments must be sent to either internet@fec.gov or submitted through the Federal eRegulations Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Any commenters who submit electronic comments and wish to testify at the hearing on this rulemaking must also send a copy of their comments to internettestify@fec.gov. If the electronic comments include an attachment, the attachment must be in the Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.doc) format. Faxed comments must be sent to (202) 219-3923, with hard copy follow-up. Hard copy comments and hard copy follow-up of faxed comments must be sent to the Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street, NW., Washington, DC 20463. All comments must include the full name and postal service address of the commenter or they will not be considered. The Commission will post comments on its Web site after the comment period ends. The hearing will be held in the Commission's ninth floor meeting room, 999 E Street, NW., Washington, DC."

View Story | 54 comments