More on annoying
First, in an update to this, Michele emails me to let me know that she thinks those emails came from another site and apologized. Cool. Thanks. She also provides some perspective on why she’s supportive of the bill as written.
And _Jon don’t feel bad about creating conflict. That’s why some bloggers blog to begin with. No need to feel bad for me, I’m pretty think-skinned and actually enjoyed the exchange with Michele. She’s a smart person and it’s fun to discuss stuff with her.
January 16th, 2006 at 1:37 pm
Conflict can be good. Debate is almost always good. This is an important issue. I agree completely about the need for anti-stalking legislation and Michelle did a fine job of illustrating the need.
With another female family member I have experienced a stalker and it is hell on earth. I know what it is like to meet with the police and be told nothing can be done. I know what it is like to be afraid a loved one may be killed. It changed my life and I hope to never experience it again.
No apologies need to be given in defending personal liberties. The idea that people over-reacted on this issue is foreign to me. In the end my post about the end of blogs was incorrect. You have to be willing to make mistakes. There is only so much time anyone can devote to any cause. No one can be perfect.
The problem is when people give up and refuse to try. I think everyone involved showed how alert and vigilant the American people are. I feel good about this exchange as I hope the other parties do.
Congress often uses one issue to address other issues under the radar. You have to watch Congress like a hawk. I do believe there is a movement to restrict free speech on blogs. As much as I support this anti-stalking legislation I believe this law and others like it must be watched for abuse of free speech on the Internet. It is not the “Law of unintended consequences” I worry about, it is the “Law of intended consequences” I worry about.
These are two complex inter-related issues. How can people be protected in their personal life and while using the Internet and how can the free speech and anonymity of the Internet be preserved? There is much to discuss.
Michelle, like Uncle I appreciate the apology about the rude emails. I did not mean to imply you did not receive those emails. My point is they did not come from here. Please come join us Michelle anytime you have a lot to offer and your viewpoint is appreciated.
January 17th, 2006 at 12:07 am
Uncle/9
That’s what so great about our country, the opportunity to express our thoughts and opinions and engage in a true debate of ideas and information so that we can understand each other and perhaps become more enlightened from that sharing as we did.
I got to see how passionate you guys are about individual freedoms, and you guys were able to understand how I support they be balanced against cyber stalking victims rights.
I think we both learned from this experience. But just to let you know, I too will continue to watch how the law will be applied as any misuse or misapplication will be a blow to personal freedoms and victims everywhere.
January 18th, 2006 at 9:30 am
Whew.
btw, I just sent an e-mail to Fox regarding the matter – they posted an incorrect opinion relying on the same stuff we just straightened out.
Here’s their article:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,181958,00.html
(I’m gonna go curse on my blog now….)