Web sites like MemeStreams may soon be inaccessible for many people using public terminals at American schools and libraries, thanks to the U.S. House of Representatives.

By a 410-15 vote on Thursday...

You're not protecting the children, you're totally eviscerating their civil rights!

This is why I can't support either political party. For all the Democrat's discussion of civil liberties and the Republicans discussion of minimal government, when push comes to shove neither political party gives a damn about the fundamental rights that are at the heart of the Constitution. The first amendment protects a right to freedom of speech and a right to freedom of association. These aren't just laws, they are good ideas! There are few values that are more central to this country's identity then these protections, and these ideas ought to be upheld even when the Constitution doesn't explicitly require it.

Congress isn't acting in a way that is narrowly crafted to protect children from online predators, they totally removing children's ability to speak and associate as they desire to the maximum extent they are legally able to!! This demonstrates a massive disrespect for the core values of this country, and sends a clear message to libraries and schools that aren't federally subsidized, as well as parents, that this is a reasonable approach that others should follow.

This is not a reasonable approach. It is an intollerable violation of the fundamental rights of citizens taken without any consideration as to its impact for wholly selfish political marketing reasons. The people who voted for this ought to be ashamed. Some may ask who will protect the children from predators, I ask who will protect the children from this legislature!

MemeStreams banned by federal law | Tech News on ZDNet