When Sucking wouldn't Suck

When ridiculousness like this doesn't apply to you because, well, you suck:

S.1 has been introduced in the Senate as "lobbying reform" -- which in this case means "First Amendment infringements." An amendment has been attached, which requires registration of bloggers with more than 500 readers, and who comment on policy issues. Violation would be a criminal offense.

I looked it up on the Library of Congress webpage (which is essentially unlinkable) and have attached section 220 in extended remarks, below. As the bill is reported, it appears to cover any "paid" grassroots lobbying, that reaches more than 500 people. But a blogger who receives contributions might be classed as a "paid" grassroots type. It looks like Congress wants to keep an eye on annoying people like Porkbusters. It may be significant that S.1 was introduced by Harry Reid, one of the Kings of Pork.

At Running the Gauntlet, the list of Senators on-board with this restriction includes, for the most part, most of the usual suspects. Looking at the Republican names sadly lends credence to the idea that the bill's intent is purely to stop criticism.

How so? Recall that over the summer Senator Trent Lott was actively and proudly crusading against earmark reform. He took not-so-kindly to criticism leveled at he and the Senate both from the likes of Porkbusters. And here is the new Minority Whip signing on with the likes of other free-speech quellers like Harry Reid.

That's the bad news. The 'good' news is that said restrictions apply 'only' to those fortunate enough to be read by 500 or more supporters.

So when you're putting up those killer numbers like we do, it's almost like the speech-police don't exist!