BREAKING!!! MISSOURI REP. JASON HOLSMAN WAS SO HURT BY INTERNET CHATTER THAT HE HAD TO FILE A BILL AIMED AT NASTY ONLINE COMMENTS!!!
Politics requires a thick skin . . . I hope that I'll be able to bring this perspective to my work for Sly James.
In the meantime it's disappointing to see that Missouri Rep. Jason Holsman is taking aim on Internet comments AFTER GETTING COMPLETELY TORN UP HERE @ TKC AFTER HE BACKED OUT OF A CITY COUNCIL RUN!!!
My knee-jerk reaction: Holsman's legislation doesn't protect children, instead it's childish and it reveals a fragile temperament that's isn't suited to political life.
Even worse and thinking a bit more logically, this effort is unconstitutional and requires bloggers or potentially even FACEBOOK users to submit to search warrants simply because of message board chatter . . . Sadly, this reveals that Holsman hasn't done any research or AOL precedent which notes that operators of an Internet message board can't be held responsible for their commenters.
In other words . . . Holsman's bill is ignorant and will quickly be struck down or rightfully ignored by any other legislators with even a modicum of respect for free speech.
Read the summary of the bill wherein Holsman takes aim at name-spoofing, ridiculing dead people and failing to submit to an illegal search.
Even worse . . . Holman's bill claims "it's for the children" but there's not much mention of kids . . .
THIS IS REACTIONARY LEGISLATION FROM JASON HOLSMAN WHO DOESN'T SEEM TO UNDERSTAND HOW THE INTERNETS WORKS AND TAKES DIRECT AIM AT ONLINE FREE SPEECH!!!
On the other hand . . .
I just got off the phone with Holsman . . . It's hard to deny that his motivation doesn''t come out of a real concern to hold people accountable for their words and offer a deterrent to defamation . . . Also, Holsman revealed that this is really a response to sites like The Dirty . . . A site that also concerns housewives and parents who don't want to know that their offspring have turned into horrible people.
"Other States already have similar anti-defamation law and I wanted to do my best to protect people from the illegal and dangerous libel that occurs online," Holsman said. "It's not about protecting elected officials but other people who shouldn't be subject to such hateful remarks."
What Holsman already has in his favor . . . Gov. Jay has expressed a distaste for the online discourse . . .
Behind the scenes, most politicos and people playing politics in Missouri are scared of the public and other political consultants hiding behind anonymity and attacking . . .
EXCLUSIVE . . . WE HEAR THAT HOLSMAN HAS HOUSE REP. JOHN RIZZO, JACKSON COUNTY LEGISLATOR CRYSTAL WILLIAMS AND A FEW OTHER SURPRISE GUESTS WHO JUST MIGHT SPEAK OUT AGAINST NASTY, ONLINE DISCOURSE!!!
What's also interesting is that Holsman is putting himself out there front and center when it comes to this debate and win or lose . . . He knows he's going to get taken apart online . . .I have to admire that bravery and hope for his sake that he hasn't pissed off 4chan.
However . . .
With the support of Gov. Jay, this could be a big deal . . . But Holsman admits that he's a bit behind when it comes to this legislation . . .
As the Dems are working on a jobs platform, it seems that this legislation will target so many folks who dutifully dedicate their day to attacking people in online comments . . . I'm not sure about the economic impact of that . . . But it's certainly something to watch . . .
Check the bill summary: HB 948 -- Criminal Defamation and Abuse of the Internet
Here's an excerpt from the latest newsletter where Rep. Holsman explains his motivation:
Abuse of the Internet and Criminal Cyber Defamation
HB 948 was filed in response to Governor Jay Nixon's call to address the damage capability of anonymous cyber assassins on the internet. The legislation is adapted from a current Kansas Statute to apply to electronic communications.Cyber Crime
The internet has changed politics. The shift in attention from main street media to political blog sites has opened a new avenue for opponents to anonymously defame the rival campaign. We have laws in the state which require a "paid for by" for all political mail, radio, phone, television and print media. These laws exist to protect candidates from malicious defamation without there being a level of responsibility for the statements. Keep in mind that a candidate is not an elected official until the race is over.
Many internet records live in cyber perpetuity and are easily accessible through search engines. If we can't protect our candidates from libelous hatred then the quality of candidate will continue to decrease as average citizens won't want to expose themselves or family to public ridicule and humiliation.
There are websites on the internet where our young adults are being intentionally defamed like it is a sport. Photos of college students are taken from their social network profiles and published on websites with the intent to destroy the person's character.
As a father of two, I dedicate my life to building my children's self worth and I will not sit idly by while some anonymous hate monger targets to emotionally harm our kids.
There are many supporters of this legislation in the House, but I chose to file it alone knowing that I am making myself a target of those whom I wish to regulate. Protecting our kids is worth their attempt at my personal humiliation.
############
This is the first time in my political career that I have crossed the fourth wall and posted a comment on a blog as the State Representative. But I feel that if I am to regulate a community then I will stand before you and answer any questions as to why I filed the legislation. I suspect my political opponents will make this conversation about me, and use this opportunity to tear me down personally, but I am here to tell you that this legislation is not about me. It’s about what type of world we want to live in and what we will tolerate as a civil society. It’s about doing what right and not what’s comfortable. So if you would like to argue about free speech versus hate speech, or yelling bomb in a crowded theater, or why you should be able to trash another person then lets have that discussion. But if you want to call me names then by all means.
ReplyDelete“If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.”
Jason Holsman
State Representative
So, this is another April fool joke?
ReplyDeleteFor the people, and by the people...
ReplyDeleteNOT !
Next he'll want to install microphones in bars to hear what people say while having a drink.
ReplyDeleteCan you say "Big Brother"?
Jason's last idea was endorsing Mike Burke, he should have stayed out the Mayor's race. He is done.
ReplyDeleteBotello is ALREADY KISSING ASS!!!
ReplyDeleteObsequious, pusillanimous poppeycock.
Mr. Holsman, we DO NOT need your arbitrary, capricious, provincial parameters on free speech to "Protect" us.
If the heat is too hot in the kitchen, then of course, we plebes in the hinterland need guidance by the rings in our noses from our fuckin betters.
Bullshit.
Another holier than thous, sanctimonious agenda driven hypocrite with a wounded ego.
Shut the fuck up and go back to figuring out how to fleece constituents.
3:55
ReplyDeleteNope. Your conversation at a bar doesn't come up in a google search engine when being vetted for future employment. The parents who have spoken out about their children committing suicide because of brutal hummiliation don't have to listen to the hate. This legislation deals with a specific problem in which we have the ability to create a deterent. This legslation is no more big bother than requiring newspapers to abide by decency standards.
Jason
By the way, your straight line reference from bovine baltherings on a blog (Of which I am often guilty, and proud of it) to a bomb in a theater is preposterous.
ReplyDeleteCrossing the "Fourth Wall". Jeeze...
Hopefully your legislation will fill that breach with its death.
The Supreme Court ruled more than 30 years ago that anonymous political speech is protected as a bulwark to democracy.
ReplyDelete4:10
ReplyDeleteI do not consider "the dirty" political speech, which is the true target of this legislation.
And, Chuck, I teach history of the constitution and spend an entire week on speech codes on universities. Bomb in a crowded theater is an example of speech limitation under the 1st amendment.
Jason
Unless you believe there is a bomb -- Justice Holmes
ReplyDelete(Actually the analogy was shouting fire in a crowded theatre but this is a blog so no points will be deducted)
I can understand Representative Holsman's disdain for public comment. And it is no secret that Crystal Williams is thin-skinned. But, If the Supreme Court allows the Westborough Baptist Church to get away with their insanity of calling fallen soldiers "fags", I don't believe that political commentary on the internet will stand the test.
ReplyDeleteI taught a little history myself Jason.
ReplyDeleteI reiterate. You getting your panties in a wad over some harsh language on a blog, and equating the imminent threat of "Fire in a Theater" to same, is preposterous.
The last thing we need, in America, is Fox News didacts with the IQ and ambitions of an Entourage character, handing down edicts from the Star Chamber in Jeff City, informing us that harsh language is now a felonious offence.
Total Bullshit.
If that's the case I say we pass a LAW that requires politicians to keep the promises they make when campaigning.
ReplyDeleteYou know all those promises coming out of their mouths.
In the face of the unambiguated evidence of the last couple of centuries, where most if not all wrongs were righted eventually by the power of the 1st amendment and the freedom of the fourth estate, here today, in Kim Kardashian world, we presume to fix what is not broken by way of abdicating our responsibility to our country's past and future, by eviscerating that very institution.
ReplyDeleteTotal Bullshit.
Uh oh..., is that a knock on my door?
4:20
ReplyDeleteI have stood with the Patriot Guard Riders outside of Mount Moriah to shield the family of a soldier being laid to rest in my district from the Phelps clan. I voted to set a 300 foot limit to their protests. I don't have a disdain for public comment, I have a desire to ensure our society evolves along with the technology that connects us. I am trying to create a semblance of accountability in online discourse.
Jason
In the face of correct argument, you resort to emotion and a straw man.
ReplyDeleteI got drafted and did my time from 69 to 73.
Glad you went to that funeral, your right ot be there is protected by the 1st Amendment and the blood spilled by the young man, whose memory you so correctly protected.
Lets stick to facts.
The metaphysical and absolute protection of the 1st amendment is of paramount importance to the future of this country.
See ya in history class kid.
ReplyDeleteChuck,
ReplyDeleteI respect your concern that steps like this lead to a normalized erosion of our freedoms. I spent a lot of time thinking about filing this legislation. But you are not free to intentionally use false information to harm another. Its one thing to offer a harsh opinion, it is entirely something else when opponents use this communication to spread false information. I understatnd the higher threashold for elected officials, but many of our candidates never become elected officials and those names of staff behind the scenes become the target of opposition. 20 other states have criminal defamation laws. I am trying to add Missouri to the list. BTW - there are no felony penlties.
Jason
In the meantime........
ReplyDeleteThe Senate-passed version of the whistleblower provision is expected to come up in the House soon after the members return from recess. The bill would remove whistleblower protection from an employee who warned a company it was about to violate a law. Under the bill, whistleblower protection would kick in only after the company had actually violated the law.
So a whistleblower would not be protected while trying to prevent illegal conduct.
More brilliant legislation coming out of Missouri.
What say you, fellow anonymous commenters? Shall we rain a shitstorm of truth telling upon Holsman's empty head?
ReplyDeleteChuck,
ReplyDeleteI'm willing to meet with you in person in Jefferson City or for coffee somewhere in the city to discuss the first amendment. My email is jason.holsman@house.mo.gov
I value your perspective and obvious intellect. I have no malicious intent with this bill other than to provide a reason for people to weigh the value of libel versus the consequences before intentionally harming someone.
I'm leaving the comment room to go enjoy the weather, but I will check back to answer any other questions.
Jason
"But you are not free to intentionally use false information to harm another."
ReplyDeleteIf you can show damages, sue in court.
The idea, that members of that club, who find themselves in postion to run for office, should be sheltered from verbal abuse is absurd.
I seem to recall Andrew Jackson shooting people dead when they insulted him.
Politics, blood and courage SHOULD be required to take office, even if the blood is mostly metphorical.
This rough and tumble world changes every day, ever more quickly. Every one of us, in every capacity has to adjust and survive while supporting our families. Special laws, that would abrogate the very foundations of this nation, and they, and they will, should not be countenanced by ANY American with room temp IQ.
The "erosion" of freedom, that you speak of, is a real time threat that will, if realized, transfer even MORE power to the elite and money class, while furthering the already dystopian future, which may very well be here now.
Frredom of experession, is that most American of tenants.
Very well. Carry on.
ReplyDelete4:50
ReplyDeleteI have my flaws and I've made mistakes in life. But your storm of accusations will not deter my belief in the necessity of this action. My wife and family are well prepped for your lies and my resolve is unwaivering.
Jason
4:47 PM
ReplyDelete"So a whistleblower would not be protected while trying to prevent illegal conduct."
That's why in the Hood there is a "no snitch policy".
I don't know or care what 4:50 is talking about. But...
ReplyDeleteWhen I see Fred Phelps on TV at a military funeral, I swear to god I could shoot the bastard dead, and if I gotta a couple pops in me, I might.
But, then I calm down, and dwell in cognitave dissonance. On the one hand, I wanna hurt that guy pretty bad, but then, we see others, like Mr. Holsman (And, many of my friends who have gone to stand with military families in sorrow.) and I think--seriously, Chuck, this is America!
That America, for me, is, as bad as it is, Fred fuckincocksuckingdieinhell Phelps.
If Fred Phelps is protected by the very kid, who died and is buried just yards away from the scumbag puke, then shit, we are doing something right.
God Bless America.
I know it sounds corny these days, but it might be all we got sooner than you know.
He didn't say anything when Tony pulled out of his ass and shoved it into jason's mouth. all jason said was Mmmmmmmmm!!
ReplyDeleteWell now that raises the level of discourse 4/1/11 5:53 PM.
ReplyDeleteJohn Rizzo was clearly behind a series of blatant anonymous attacks on his opponent. Now he is going to complain about it? Tony should eat him alive for that.
ReplyDeleteI agree 100% with the person above. These three lawmakers not only read your blog daily but also contribute to it in the form of tips and anonymous negative comments which not only personally attack people but are prejudice sexist and racist at best.
ReplyDeleteTypical Hypocrites. When can local dems get real leadership. I'm tired of pussies yuppies and republicans holding elected office.
amen
ReplyDeleteAgree totally 817. Working families are in a nightmare and who is to blame? Democrats 15 years ago would have been whooped ass and taken names already. Local leaders are filled with pussies.
ReplyDeleteDude,
ReplyDeleteIt has been lame, they don't like videos at all. The words they don't mind, because they barely read, and they know the kids read even less. But video scares the be-Jesus out of them. With video it is like shooting ducks in a barrel. They are taking this text and building cases right now, for all kinds of retarded accusations.
I maintain that I am in the spirit of Thomas Nast. Thomas Nast meets Banksy. Video is my medium for political dialogue. I prefer words, but in our current Age, words have lost a lot of their luster.
Is that really Jason posting or is it someone trying to make him look pathetic? How about this as State Rep Mr. Holsman: you lay out a list of priorities and then lay it before your district in a poll; and you let them decide which is a priority. Because in your answers all I read is I.I.I.I.
ReplyDeleteIt should read my district believes followed with proof that they do. That's your job.
I don't need you, Jason Holsman, to protect my children or myself from the internet trolls. There's a reason we have a first amendment. You obviously aren't doing a very good job of 'teaching' the Constitution if you don't understand the very first amendment. Perhaps you should go read the MO Constitution too. I will be the protector of my family. Lies are spread daily, mostly through the government itself. I don't see anyone holding government officials accountable for their words, so why would you even pretend to hold someone else accountable. We're YOUR boss, not the other way around. If you don't understand that, then perhaps you should get a job in the private sector and stop getting paid by WE THE PEOPLE.
ReplyDeleteYeah!!! I rub my man sploog all over your top ginger haired lip....take it bitch...TAKE IT!!!hahahahaha!!!!
ReplyDelete