"Reexamine freedom of speech?"


Former House Speaker proves he is no friend of freedom
Two things. First, I'm glad Gingrich isn't an elected official anymore. And second, say what?

Pun intended.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich yesterday said the country will be forced to reexamine freedom of speech to meet the threat of terrorism.

Gingrich, speaking at a Manchester awards banquet, said a "different set of rules" may be needed to reduce terrorists' ability to use the Internet and free speech to recruit and get out their message.

"We need to get ahead of the curve before we actually lose a city, which I think could happen in the next decade," said Gingrich, a Republican who helped engineer the GOP's takeover of Congress in 1994.

To his credit, Mr. Gingrich is denouncing the "campaign finance reform" laws and some of the court rulings on church and state separation that aren't doing much except muzzling people.

But stars above, what part of the First Amendment don't politicos get?

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

It's simple, Congress shall make no law.

Congress isn't allowed to pick and choose which parts are free speech are acceptable.

Congress shall make no law. Period.

No matter how good the intentions are, Congress must not be allowed to restrict speech. Or one of the very first things they will do is restrict criticism of Congress.

Like they already have.

Congress can not be trusted to control free speech "for your own good." They can't be trusted to do a lot of things, most of which were banned in the Bill of Rights. When you pit your freedom against Congressional power, you had better have an overwhelming and irrevocable advantage.

Otherwise your freedom rests with the very next vote of Congress.

— NeoWayland

Posted: Tue - November 28, 2006 at 03:19 PM  Tag


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