I had company over the weekend, so I've been super lazy about updating. Sorry, legions.
However, I note the SOPA Strike/SOPA Blackout (that's two different sites with helpful code) planned for tomorrow, with sites large and small (the SOPA Strike link has a list of confirmed participants) planning blackouts in protest of SOPA and PIPA.
At the moment it's looking encouragingly as if these bills have been set aside for now--but that doesn't mean we should get all complacent, since they could come slinking in again once our backs our turned.
Because bills are essentially the same as rats.
Anyway, I'm doubtful that this particular site will make a big impact, but far be it from me not to take an opportunity to black it out. Solidarity!
If you have a blog and are interested in participating, GeneaBloggers has a nice list of instructions on how to blackout blogs using the Blogger and Wordpress platforms.
And if you can't decide whether or not this is actually something you oppose, Danah Boyd has a nice explanation of why a lot of people are unhappy with SOPA/PIPA on Apophenia.
Showing posts with label freedom of speech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label freedom of speech. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Monday, January 10, 2011
Curse It Up, Everyone
I wasn't aware that it was specifically illegal to curse at police officers in Pennsylvania, but apparently people get cited for it all the time. But no longer, happily for swearers.
The ACLU filed a lawsuit pointing out that "The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and many other courts, have made it very clear that profanity — including dirty words, foul language, and rude gestures — is protected speech."
I personally do not really advocate swearing at police officers, but if you must, and as long as you're not also punching them, then yes, freedom of speech it is. One should be allowed to say even rude things, even to police officers.
That's just how it is.
.
The ACLU filed a lawsuit pointing out that "The Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and many other courts, have made it very clear that profanity — including dirty words, foul language, and rude gestures — is protected speech."
I personally do not really advocate swearing at police officers, but if you must, and as long as you're not also punching them, then yes, freedom of speech it is. One should be allowed to say even rude things, even to police officers.
That's just how it is.
.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Speaking of Free Expression...
I can't wait to make a billion dollars so I can bankroll a politician!
Aunt B at Tiny Cat Pants asks an interesting question about the Supreme Court's January 21 ruling on campaign finance: what if a corporation funds a candidate who then makes a public disgrace of him- or herself? Does that reflect badly on a company that has openly backed this politician?
In the hypothetical example given, where we imagine that Pepsi threw its weight behind John Edwards in the last presidential election, could Coke then capitalize on this with its own ads? Aunt B's suggestion for an ad:
Incidentally, I think "be like a decent human being" should immediately become a marketing slogan for something. Ideally something that doesn't involve burning women, kids, houses and villages after bein' a litterbug, but I'm flexible. This slogan is powerful enough to cover a multitude of sins.
It doesn't imply that you need to be a decent human being, only to emulate one. A lot of people could relate to that!
That, and license for extremes of behavior.
.
Aunt B at Tiny Cat Pants asks an interesting question about the Supreme Court's January 21 ruling on campaign finance: what if a corporation funds a candidate who then makes a public disgrace of him- or herself? Does that reflect badly on a company that has openly backed this politician?
In the hypothetical example given, where we imagine that Pepsi threw its weight behind John Edwards in the last presidential election, could Coke then capitalize on this with its own ads? Aunt B's suggestion for an ad:
“Be like John. Drink Pepsi. Or be like a decent human being. Drink Coke.”
Incidentally, I think "be like a decent human being" should immediately become a marketing slogan for something. Ideally something that doesn't involve burning women, kids, houses and villages after bein' a litterbug, but I'm flexible. This slogan is powerful enough to cover a multitude of sins.
It doesn't imply that you need to be a decent human being, only to emulate one. A lot of people could relate to that!
That, and license for extremes of behavior.
.
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