Free Speech under threat

Girlonthehill · #1 10-01-2007, 09:24 PM

I thought some of you may find this interesting. Here ya go anyway. I received this in my mail because I signed up to the 'Save the Internet' campaign.

Quote:

You've probably heard that Verizon censored text messages sent by the pro-choice group NARAL. They They then reversed the censorship claiming claim it was a glitch. And they feel really, really bad about it.

Today, we have discovered that AT&T wants to deny its Internet services to customers who criticize the company. They say they want "your world delivered" but only if you're nice.

Sorry, Verizon and AT&T. That's not good enough. These are just the latest examples in the long list of phone company efforts to block, filter or interfere with the free flow of information over new communications networks.

Take Action: Protect Free Speech Everywhere!
In August, AT&T censored a live webcast of a Pearl Jam concert just as lead singer Eddie Vedder criticized President Bush. AT&T said it was a glitch.

Both Verizon and AT&T illegally handed over private customer phone records to the National Security Agency. The phone companies first denied it and then started a secret campaign with the White House to gain immunity from any lawsuits.

This pattern of abuse shows that powerful phone companies cannot be trusted to safeguard our basic freedoms. The democratic principles of free speech and open communication are too important to be entrusted to corporate gatekeepers. Whether it's liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican, pro-choice or pro-gun, the phone companies can't pick and choose what messages get through.

Censorship by AT&T and Verizon shows us what we can expect in a future where these network gatekeepers gain control over the free flow of information. Congress must reaffirm its commitment to free speech on the Internet, on cell phones, on our airwaves -- everywhere!

Tell Congress: Stop the Gatekeepers

We've had it with phony apologies from phone companies. Congress must act now to protect free speech and the free flow of information.

Thank you for all that you do,
Josh Silver
Executive Director
Free Press
www.freepress.net

Karen Mac · #2 10-01-2007, 09:41 PM

I got that email too. Trouble is, freepress.net has problems too. They have a bunch of wackos as members and have done and posted some pretty stupid farfetched stuff and UNRELIABLE info.

I havent SEEN AT&T post that, but.. SPRINT that shut down customers who complained too much cuz they were tired of the complaints. While the service was ****py they only shut down those that were realistically harassment, calling every ten minutes, emailing, writing threatening letters etc etc. It was on the news about it.

If you have the DOCS on AT&T id like to see them. Ive yet to be shut down using them or Cingular.

Fact is, phone companies arent the only ones who breached privacy after 911, and the new National Security Agency's agenda. Just try boarding an international flight, not to mention a domestic one.

Karen

Karen Mac · #3 10-01-2007, 10:10 PM

Couple more sidebars here. Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press wasnt enacted to allow abuse in any way. It was enacted to give people the freedom to CRITICIZE forms of government, and freedoms to practice religions etc etc, and to post those criticisms.

Something you may find interesting is that these dont apply to coroporations, business, hosting companies, phone carriers etc. Just like Voda Host doesnt allow pornographic websites, or free use of their servers for whatever you like. Same principal applies. Abusive text messages and the like SHOULD be censored, cuss words etc. I Censor on a board I manage for abusive and porno content.. etc etc.

Karen

pristinelife · #4 10-01-2007, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Girlonthehill

I thought some of you may find this interesting. Here ya go anyway. I received this in my mail because I signed up to the 'Save the Internet' campaign.

You think thats bad? Go to www.zeitgeistmovie.com/ and watch this movie. It pissed me to no end as it showed what the government has been doing to its citizens for the past 100 yrs and people still don't see. Then there was a recent incident of a group of people in a public park in California that was reciting "The Amendments of our Constitution" and got arrested for doing so. Talk about free speech??? Where is it???

choco777 · #5 10-08-2007, 05:45 PM

I agree wholeheartedly with Karen...I've nothing to hide, so listen in, I love an audience. Your Rights, most don't understand them, but still like to scream if they think ANYTHING is being taken from them, even if the thing was not earned or respected in others.

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