[weikel]

Won't we breaking it every day( in the 60 day "free speech ban") by criticizing incumbents if this law goes into effect?

[McGavin999]

We don't need to break the law Jim. As I read it, corporations are forbidden to make contributions and may not advertise 60 days before an election. Since most media outlets are corporations, this would include them. Time spent discussing issues and candidates should be considered "in kind" contributions. Therefore, if the media mentions candidates or issues they would be breaking the law.

Perhaps we could be instrumental in seeing to it that any media outlet that was not absolutely fair to all candidates and parties be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I believe that would include jail time for the corporate officers and the board of directors. :o)

[GeronL]

It would give you a year or 2 to find a way to air an ad (in Fresno) on TV or radio. I hope you can spend the money without hampering Free Republic. How small a market in Fresno?

[fivetoes]

This is a much more fun way to express yourself! And it is not illegal, YET!

[Sabertooth]

There have been several posts recently advocating a plan to engage in illegal activities, that is, to break the new law restricting our free speech rights. Though I sympathize with the posters, Free Republic is not to be used to advocate illegal activities, thus these posts have all been deleted.

Totally understandable.

There will be appropriate challenges to CFR, and those who wish to engage in civil disobedience can do so on their own. But during those days, it's going to be crucial to keep FR squeaky clean, because many other alternative voices might be shut down for a while.

Thanks, Jim.

[Sabertooth]

(((ping))))

[VRWC_minion]

It is not a law yet. You don't need to delete them until Bush signs.

[tpaine]

Hmmm, -- let's see, we have a clearly unconstitutional bill that is to become the law of the land, in Nov. '02?

And we are cautioned to beware of advocating any sort of civil disobedience against this act restricting free speech?

-- In fact, we should not even discuss the issue on Free Republic, as this could invite trouble.

Incredibly, I think I've got it.
In a catch 22 sorta way.

[Congressman Billybob]

Dear Jim,

Thanks for your reminder. As Henry David Thoreau noted, there is a huge difference between saying, "I am going to violate the law and stand as an example," and saying "I urge others to violate the law, as an example."

When Thoreau was in jail in Massachusetts for refusing to pay property taxes, in protest over the use of those taxes to support a war, his friend, Ralph Waldo Emerson came to visit. Emerson asked, "Why are you here?" Thoreau replied, "Why are you not here with me?"

If you, Jim, choose to violate Shays-Meehan to make a point, you will have thousands of your freinds standing at your side. But I do not believe it will come to that. We are going to kill Shays-Meehan in the Supreme Court. I've put my reputation and profession on the line. If we don't beat Shays-Meehan, I will resign as a member of 26-years standing, in the Bar of the US Supreme Court.

Speaking of the challenge to CFR, you should have e-mail from me, via John, on that.

As always, thank you for your courage, your commitment, and your common sense.

Congressman Billybob

Last day: "The Truman Factor." Next up: "Doesn't Congress Ever Read the Constitution?"

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Thanks for the clarification.
I look towards you for the leadership needed on Free Republic during these difficult times.
My main focus remains in supporting our military and the war effort.
No court in the land can undo another, (God forbid), another day like 9/11.
God Bless and Protect America

[b4its2late]

Agreed. Big BTTT!

[antidemocommie]

Civil Disobedience, that is part of the solution.

[MeekOneGOP]

Breaking the new anti-free speech law.

Best to put HUGE pressure on President Bush so he WON'T sign the unconstitutional CFR Bill, also known as the............

Incumbent Protection Bill
***FReepers: Urge President Bush to
VETO Shays-Meehan CFR Bill! !***

Please let me know if you want ON or OFF my ping list!. . .don't be shy.

[Paul C. Jesup]

Okay, now what are you all planning to do about CBDTPA?

The bill that will directly KILL Free Repulbic if it is passed into law.

[conserve-it]

YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT, IN FACT AN OBLIGATION TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY, MOREOVER THE CONTINUED VIABILITY OF THIS WEBSITE. WE KNOW WE HAVE ENEMIES. YOU HAVE TO BE SHREWD AND CUNNING TO STAY AHEAD OF THOSE WHO WOULD DO US IN. WE ALL UNDERSTAND THIS.........ROCK ON!!!!

[harpseal]

Unril this unconstitutional law is the actually signed into law any discussions about future resistance are specualtive in nature and not illegal. However, should this become an in force stute I then think al bets are off regarding what forms resistance to this legislation will take. The full spectrum of resistance is then possible and any and all such resistance is IMHO totally justified. No I am not advocating any specific violation of any law but if one is going to be a criminal anyway then what crimes are off the table?

From a philosophical standpoint someone on Free Republic who misinterpreted a post as call for violence once stated there is no reason for violence because we have the First Amendment. When the CFR legislation is signed into to law what is the reeasoning why there is no need for violence? We all need to engage in some very serious soul searching over the next weeks and months and we had better very well understand the consequences of any action we undertake or fail to undertake. Inaction will have consequences as palpable as any action.

Where do each of us draw his/her line in the sand. At what point do we say this is beyond toleration and I will stake my life, my fortune and most importantly my sacred honor. What does it mean to be an American. All these questions will be coming up to a large number of people. I feel confident that you personally have the answers that allow you to keep your personal honor. I know many others do but discussion of these questions and other issues is about to become forbidden in America.

I am angry at what I just typed because it is true. I just got back from a ceremony where more than seventy flags were retired. Participating in that ceremony were vetrans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, The Gulf War, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, parents of these youngsters, and I am forced to contemplate restrictions on political speech by Americans in America. That disgusts me.

I do not know what form my resistance will take. I will not discuss that on the internet but I shall resist and I look forward to a toast to our restored constitutional republic after the next Yorktown.

Stay well - Stay safe - Stay armed - Yorktown

[max61]

Since FR is a corporation, do you plan to shut down for 60 days prior to elections, or will you simply censor posts?.

---max

[restornu]

Dose free speech include lyrics in a song?

[Destructor]

I'm with you Jim! How can I help? Should all of us FReepers start contributing to mount a Defense Fund for you? Should we flood the offices of our Reps with letters? What should we do?

[Abundy]

OK, so having come late to the thread and having stopped laughing so hard at your naivete regarding McRectum, I'm wondering if I put a website up criticizing a candidate within that 60 period if I'm breaking the law?

'Cause I've never built my own website and I figure I got about 5 months to learn how...