White House Encroaching on First Amendment

How does "asking members of the public to flag fishy claims" equate to an encroachment on free speech? I'm missing the connection there. That sounds like a Sarah Palin conclusion. Asking the public to flag fishy claims, isn't the same as the government making a law to shut people up. There is no law that prevents these "fishy" emails. Do people know what the first amendment is? Maybe the Senator should read it again.

Maybe I am forgetting the history I was force fed, but wasn't it the nazi's that demanded its people report anyone saying or doing anything against der leader?

Originally posted by Bratac
How does "asking members of the public to flag fishy claims" equate to an encroachment on free speech? I'm missing the connection there. That sounds like a Sarah Palin conclusion. Asking the public to flag fishy claims, isn't the same as the government making a law to shut people up. There is no law that prevents these "fishy" emails. Do people know what the first amendment is? Maybe the Senator should read it again.

Here is a quick history lesson for you on why this is a VERY BAD IDEA:

"In 1930's Germany, the new socialist government of Adolf Hitler (NAZI
National Socialist Workers' Party) began indoctrinating children in the
quasi-military organization, the Hitler Youth, to inform on their parents
should they overhear discussions subversive to the policies of the Leader.
As the noose was tightened, local community organizers were appointed to watch their neighbors and were told to report subversive comments to the bureaucrats above them. Neighbors informed on neighbors, some for reasons of patriotism or loyalty, some from fear. A modern inquisition ensued; a terror to free thought and expression. Increasingly harsh penalties were meted out to those who dared to dissent. "

ref: Why history should be studied

Could it be any more obvious chief?

[edit on 5-8-2009 by Roadblockx]

reply to post by Roadblockx


OOPS you have been likened to Sarah Palin.....you opened your self up for it. Submit!

Because the repubs are working as hard as they can to spread lies and myths and scary stories about the healthcare plan? And even going as far as to encourage hecklers at town rallies so the speakers can't even talk about the healthcare plan?

Interfering in our ability to make uncensored unfiltered decisions?

boohooo here is a hanky.

reply to post by nixie_nox


Have you read the bill? Have you honestly considered the things proposed in the bill?

[edit on 5-8-2009 by Doom and Gloom]

Yeah I don't think they were trying to track down political opponents, more like track the various disinfo campaigns that are going on - which there are a lot of. Lets face it, there are economic special interests that stand to lose big money if UHC goes through.

Like, for instance, whoever is selling the local hospital where my aunt works Kleenex for $8/box (and no doubt using it to pay big kickbacks)

Hell, here on ATS there's a thread claiming that UHC is a "NAZI-inspired eugenics program"

Classic disinfo - you have to wonder which insurance industry lobbyist came up with that one

However, given the paranoia raging on the right that Obama is going to ship all Republicans off to FEMA camps, etc, they could have phrased it differently.

I agree the way they put it sounds rather Orwellian...

Originally posted by nixie_nox
Because the repubs are working as hard as they can to spread lies and myths and scary stories about the healthcare plan? And even going as far as to encourage hecklers at town rallies so the speakers can't even talk about the healthcare plan?

Interfering in our ability to make uncensored unfiltered decisions?

boohooo here is a hanky.

Keep drinking from the trough. I hear this week it is red flavored flavor-aide. Next week der leader said we get crackers and orange flavor-aide...

So you believe that the prez's doctor is a plant for the repubs?? I mean, if you were smart enough to read the posts, you would see the doc said the plan would fail. Der leader and the sheeple want to know ANYONE that is publishing not so nice things about him... Again, sound familar?

I posted a portion of the history so you wouldn't look. Don't worry, we won't tell if you open your mind. No one is looking....

Originally posted by Doom and Gloom
reply to post by Roadblockx

 

OOPS you have been likened to Sarah Palin.....you opened your self up for it. Submit!

I'm not falling for any more of your shenanigans. I'm not submitting to a dang thing!

Originally posted by Roadblockx
Here is a quick history lesson for you on why this is a VERY BAD IDEA:

I'm not arguing whether or not it's a "bad idea". I'm wondering how it's seen to be an encroachment of free speech, as the original article states.

Besides, asking adults to flag fishy and untrue information is a far cry from indoctrinating children to tattle on their parents if they should say something against the leader. This is simply to prevent lies about the proposed health care reform from becoming "common knowledge".

Could it be any more obvious chief?

Yes. It could be a lot more obvious. As it is, a connection is being suggested that simply doesn't exist, I assume for the dramatic effect it might have on gullible people.

reply to post by nixie_nox


I'm sorry, I'm unaware.

What are the lies, myths and scary stories pertaining to the health care plan?

I'm aware of a few people have severe reservations concerning the bill, but as far as lies and myths, I'm clueless.

reply to post by Bratac


Hey man, if you can't see down the road far enough, I don't think Garmin could map it out for you....



[edit on 5-8-2009 by Roadblockx]

As to whether or not the "tattling" on our neighbors infringes on free speech can be determined as to why the info is garnered, and what they plan to do with the info.

If disagreeing with the HC bill or Obama in general is call for backlash, then in my view, we'll be constantly living in a Miranda Rights nation, where anything you say can, and will be used against you at any time.

I guess it falls under what constitutes as "fishy".

reply to post by Roadblockx


What you saying is that it is OK for republican to politicize the President's health Plan and spread misinformation but it is not OK for any citizen to send the emails they received, which they think is misinformation, back to white house so they can verify its correctness.

Originally posted by orderedchaos
What are the lies, myths and scary stories pertaining to the health care plan?

Just a couple

Help with Living Wills translates to The Government want to Kill Your Grandmother

Sex Change and Abortion on Demand

Originally posted by orderedchaos
As to whether or not the "tattling" on our neighbors infringes on free speech can be determined as to why the info is garnered, and what they plan to do with the info.

See? This is where my confusion comes in. How can we charge infringement on free speech because of what we suspect might happen down the road? That would be like charging murder because someone buys a gun.

Unless and until a law is made that prohibits people sending emails about the health care plan, then free speech is alive and well.

Originally posted by nixie_nox
Because the repubs are working as hard as they can to spread lies and myths and scary stories about the healthcare plan? And even going as far as to encourage hecklers at town rallies so the speakers can't even talk about the healthcare plan?

Interfering in our ability to make uncensored unfiltered decisions?

boohooo here is a hanky.

You mean like PAYING out of work people to be bused there with preprinted signs? Like calling those who disagree with it Racist or a MOB? Oh sorry, that's ACORN and the left.

Know ANYTHING about the Chicago Democratic Machine and how it operates? Find out because that who is in the White House now. Try having your electricity turned off for a so called computer glitch numerous times, your garbage not getting picked up, or being pulled over every day by the police for no reason. They don't even have to show up in court but YOU do losing time or work and eventually your job.

Originally posted by charlie0
reply to post by Roadblockx

 

What you saying is that it is OK for republican to politicize the President's health Plan and spread misinformation but it is not OK for any citizen to send the emails they received, which they think is misinformation, back to white house so they can verify its correctness.

Woah, woah there... How about I summarize for you what I'm saying?

First, I think getting the word out about ANY plan regardless of it originating from a dem or rep and letting the citizens be able to read it should be a positive. Second, misinformation should not be spread just like a president should sign a presidential order on his first day in the office banning the release of personal information about presidents (link please don't check my records). Third, no president or government agency should EVER encourage its citizens to report back anything that looks to be wrong about the gov's plans. That is essentially telling the citizens to interpret what the poster said and meant. Email and internet posts don't convey the message very well.

Now, explain to me why the government should even care what is being said. Is this the same man who talked about Bush being a fear monger? And now he is telling us that we have to rush things through the congress without reading them? Give me a f*cking break. Enough already. Don't you see what is happening to you? They aren't even reading this sh*t anymore and yet they don't want anyone to complain or say bad things about it. This isn't their new puppy we are talking about.

Originally posted by Jerk_Idiot

Originally posted by nixie_nox
Because the repubs are working as hard as they can to spread lies and myths and scary stories about the healthcare plan? And even going as far as to encourage hecklers at town rallies so the speakers can't even talk about the healthcare plan?

Interfering in our ability to make uncensored unfiltered decisions?

boohooo here is a hanky.

You mean like PAYING out of work people to be bused there with preprinted signs? Like calling those who disagree with it Racist or a MOB? Oh sorry, that's ACORN and the left.

Know ANYTHING about the Chicago Democratic Machine and how it operates? Find out because that who is in the White House now. Try having your electricity turned off for a so called computer glitch numerous times, your garbage not getting picked up, or being pulled over every day by the police for no reason. They don't even have to show up in court but YOU do losing time or work and eventually your job.

Thank you!! Finally! This is exactly what I am talking about. The dems who bring people to graduation ceremonies carrying pots and pans to disrupt the ceremony. They did the same things elsewhere. This is the same party that allowed the Black Panthers to protect polling stations.

Take your l@me self and BS talking points back to the BHO HQ and tell der leader that we aint buying his sh*t!

Let's actually look at the First Amendment instead of rambling:

"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."

I guess it depends on how you look at it, I don't know if it's "abridging," however it is somewhat of a blackmail tactic...which could be considered abridging. Either way it's a really really slippery slope, or a stupid thing for the administration to do.