AOL is changing their system in a way that I believe is censorship at it’s worst. I’ve been a member for a long time with my IP address and information available so I can be contacted if Big Brother needs to ask a few questions. What’s got me upset is they are now requiring more information to be shared just to offer a comment. I think this is censorship. Why should I give my private information just to talk if they have it already?
Preventing individuals from commenting on what they see is wrong. The conversation becomes very short and one sided. I think if I pay a fee to enter the net, then that fee entitles me to sound off on what I see. Requiring my personal information again is a form of discrimination, a personal risk, and censorship. I want to protect my identity as much as I can, but sharing my frank opinions is the reason I get the Internet. If I can’t feel safe, then my silence isn’t a good thing. My silence forces me back into isolation and that’s not good. My mouth is my uzi and it’s always locked and loaded. Without this protection, I’d really feel insecure. Trust me…I know what I’m talking about. Ranting about something is better than any confrontation for both parties.
Without the ability to protect my identity and to speak truth to power, in my mind I become a victim of the system. Unable to rage against the machine. Isolated in a world ready to discard my mind, body and soul. Where can I scream when I see the mainstream media brainwashing us all with Oprah and Obama? Precious was Porn! Who has the audacity to tell the Emperors they are nude? Demanding my name, zip code, birthday, and address is a tremendous security threat. Twitter has been hacked. The United States government spies domestically. I know what a “Sneak and Peak” actually feels like thankyou. I have given my information to the Internet provider so why must I now give it again for the right to speak? In short, that’s censorship and the easiest way to prevent real competition from bloggers. Telling the world where I am would be like Glenn Beck being forced to give his home address and phone number right after each show. That’s just stupid and an infringment on my free speech.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:11 am
Baco, its simple. Your info is gathered not only to sell, but for liability reasons. Its so they may say, “We didn’t say this or that Baco did, heres his info sue him.” If you choose to make up your info; liability still is passed on to you. The little man will never state his mind freely.
December 22nd, 2009 at 9:24 am
What’s up Penman? You know the first rule of “Citizen’s Journalism” is “You can’t sue if it’s true.” I clearly know the difference between slander and truth. When I focus on what I do or did, they only respond in code. When I talk about what they did, they respond with vicious personal attacks on me. When I talk about what we did, I’ve got a picture or an autograph. How little do you think I am? I can’t afford free speech. I’m not Eminem rich yet or lawyered up.
December 22nd, 2009 at 11:00 am
In todays world anybody can sue for anything. Winning is about passing the liability on to others. If you are the little man, it matters not whether it is true. They key is perseverance. You have heard it said that if you tell a lie long enough and loud enough most people will believe it. The same goes for the truth, except it takes longer and has to be louder. Truth or lie doesn’t matter, they want Baco to shoulder the liability. Rock on Baco.
December 22nd, 2009 at 4:50 pm
The truth or a lie does matter. After all is said and done, the truth rings so loud that justice rains down from the Heavens and punishes those who stood in it’s way. Justice can be reduced to Poetic Justice by a corrupt mankind. The rewards for maintaining one’s integrity can be granted later. Let me tell you this, people who speak truth to power don’t do it for the money or the fame. We have been called upon to play a role in making history. We cannot fail because we have nothing to lose. By the grace of God there go I.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:33 am
I agree and that is my point. If you speak the truth, as we all should, you will have to bear that burden. Truth stings not only the receiver, but also the provider. Truth today is a shunned concept. The child lies to escape punishment and the adult lies to gain the thing he desires. The man lies to his wife to help her feelings and the wife lies to her husband when she tells him to be truthful. The key to truth is not will you give it, but rather can you bear it to give. Keep in mind we are talking about human feelings here. Below I was speaking along the lines of why your info is needed. When a gain is desired, truth or lie does not matter to that person. He wants what he wants and he shall have it whether he lies or tells the truth to gain the said desire. Now this is the human side of it or rather mans attempt at control of truth. Like you said the truth will always come front and center. However, it is up to you and I to bear that truth. Some simply cannot bear it and will refuse to acknowledge it.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:35 am
By the way Baco, You and your family have a blessed Christmas and a very happy new year.
December 23rd, 2009 at 10:50 am
Now that’s the truth. Merry Christmas to all and I will be back next decade.