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VAWA -- "Annoying" Someone Online Is Now Illegal
posted by Matt on 10:34 PM January 10th, 2006
News bandersnatch writes "From CNet News -- Annoying someone via the Internet is now a federal crime. It's no joke. Last Thursday, President Bush signed into law a prohibition on posting annoying Web messages or sending annoying e-mail messages without disclosing your true identity. In other words, it's OK to flame someone on a mailing list or in a blog as long as you do it under your real name. Thank Congress for small favors, I guess. This ridiculous prohibition, which would likely imperil much of Usenet, is buried in the so-called Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act. Criminal penalties include stiff fines and two years in prison. "The use of the word 'annoy' is particularly problematic," says Marv Johnson, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. "What's annoying to one person may not be annoying to someone else." A new federal law states that when you annoy someone on the Internet, you must disclose your identity. Wow, just wow. Talk about your rights ending where her feelings begin."

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Truth in advertising (Score:1)
by Davidadelong on 11:50 PM January 10th, 2006 EST (#1)
My e-mail address is my real name. I chose it because I could, and because I figure that if I say it, I own it. I do not fear that People know who I am when I speak my mind, if I did I guess I wouldn't speak my mind. The real fear is that they will pass another law so that we can't say what is on our minds. I guess that is in the works as well! "It is a good day to die!" A philosophy that I believe in whole heartedly, for it is hard to coerce a person that is willing to stand for what they believe in. Something to do with personal integrity I believe....just my opinion Folks!
Re:Truth in advertising (Score:1)
by Uberganger on 08:29 AM January 11th, 2006 EST (#3)
I wish people would stop saying "It's a good day to die!" No it isn't! It's a good day to live! A bit of Positive Mental Attitude is needed at all times. I'm not interested in dying any time soon, and none of you guys should be either. It's these 'others' who have to be pushed towards the death - more precisely, the anti-life - they secretly crave so much. Don't let them do that to you.
Re:Truth in advertising (Score:1)
by Davidadelong on 09:48 AM January 11th, 2006 EST (#4)
I am sorry that I have offended you. perhaps I should put it in perspective. I actually live that motto. It is not that I wish to die any time soon, on the contrary. But, I would raher die than do something that is against what I believe in. To survive at any cost, to go along to just survive isn't conducive to change, or preserving my integrity. I seek that which is natural, a life unemcumbered by the machinations of the elite. There are many things that would make me stand, even if it meant that it would be my last stand. A philosophy that I am not the only one who believes in. It is this very philosophy that has initiated change through out history. Again, I am sorry if I have offended you, but we are fighting for our lives, are we not? If every one believed the same, where would our oppressors go?
Re:Truth in advertising (Score:1)
by thatold55 on 01:26 PM January 12th, 2006 EST (#9)
It is possible that you offended Uberganger, but the important concern is, did you annoy him? Of course, assuming your name is David A DeLong, you are covered. The law as described troubles me.

However, as to "It's a good day to die!", I don't think it is an expression of defeatism or fatalism. It is a declaration that you are about to enter battle certain of your cause, and willing to accept death if that is necessary.

- Name Withheld in Willful Violation of an Act of Congress
Re:Truth in advertising (Score:1)
by Davidadelong on 01:50 PM January 12th, 2006 EST (#10)
Thank you for the chuckle, and your apt description of my philosophy. I also agree with the concerns about the "law". It was a personal chioce to "put" myself out there so to speak. I do not regret it, nor would I change it. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. When I am surrounded I am most content, because I then know where everyone is! Have a great day, in spite of our government!
So Men Lost The Cold War After All? (Score:2)
by Luek on 01:24 AM January 11th, 2006 EST (#2)
Isn't it ironic that not that long ago, during the 1950's at the height of the Cold War to the specific, Americans were fearful of the remote possibility of being militarily occupied by the Red Soviets and/or the Chinese Communists and having imposed upon the captive US populous the same Social-Marxist draconian freedom and liberty destroying dictates that VAWA imposes?
Silence Rebels (Score:1)
by Baniadam on 09:56 AM January 11th, 2006 EST (#5)
I think that law is designed to be abused to attack freedom of speech against the government mainly. It will be abused to silence the critics of Bush and future administration.
Re:Silence Rebels (Score:2, Insightful)
by Thundercloud on 11:50 AM January 11th, 2006 EST (#6)
Feminism is the main reason I'm not a Democrat.
Bush is the main reason I'm not a Republican...

  Thundercloud.
  "Hoka hey!"
Vawa annoying someone online is now illegal. (Score:1)
by dad4justice on 11:05 PM January 11th, 2006 EST (#7)
Vawa will promote more false allegations from a parent who wants to be vindictive against often a innocent parent ( usually a Dad ) . The sick gender bias system is making it easier for women to persecute a man as they know full well their vile false testimony will be absorbed in the dark/sinister world of family law.They will be never be referred from civil family court jurisdication to face criminal charges of perjury as they need evidence!!!!!!! The feminazi judiciary has blocked that avenue for falsely accussed men . Cheers from downunder dad4justice
dad4justice
Annoying... (Score:1)
by Thundercloud on 11:00 AM January 12th, 2006 EST (#8)
To bad we can't sue people that are just annoying, in general.
Then we could make a mint off of suing feminists. 'cause ain't no one as annoyin' as dem.

  Thundercloud.
  "Hoka hey!"
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