Saturday, December 26, 2015

A Bit of George Orwell's 1984 in Michigan's 2015?

Some Republican lawmakers apparently think the wealthy don't have a big enough voice in our democratic system, so, in order to make sure big money is the only voice voters hear before an election, Michigan lawmakers want to make it illegal for public officials to discuss the issues with their constituents within 60 days of an election.

"In Michigan, GOP lawmakers are literally trying...to keep the electorate silent.  In a run of the mill budget bill, Republicans snuck in a provision that would ban using tax dollars or resources to educate the public about anything that will appear on a ballot within 60 days.

'This language puts an undue burden on communities and their residents, blocking access to unbiased, objective communication on the local issues that matter most to the residents in every community in Michigan,' said Chris Hackbarth of the Michigan Municipal League in a blog post calling on members to urge Gov. Rick Snyder to veto the bill....

...'You're allowed to have your own personal views, but in those 60 days before an election, you're telling these officials they can't even respond on their computer or phone, to a question from a constituent... There's a whole free speech concern there.'...

...Corporations and SuperPacs won't be told to stop campaigning 60 days before an election.


eye'm thynkin': How can Michigan lawmakers justify this?  How is it going to benefit anyone (except big money men like the Kochs and the politicians who worship at their feet) to make it unlawful to hear both sides of an issue before voting?  This is totally insane...George Orwell 1984 insane.

What gives these lawmakers the idea that they, and they alone should decide what message people hear?  Orwell's Inner Party and their thought police have no place in a democracy, and despite what these lawmakers seem to think, the U.S. is still a democratic society.

Read more at News Groop Speak

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