TELECOM Digest OnLine - Sorted: Re: Create an E-Annoyance, Go To Jail

Re: Create an E-Annoyance, Go To Jail

Matt Simpson (msimpson@uky.edu)
Tue, 10 Jan 2006 09:50:19 -0500

In article <telecom25.13.5@telecom-digest.org>, Tony
P. <nospam.kd1s@cox.nospam.net> wrote:

> Typical mis-step by our esteemed legislators. Look, I have so many
> email addresses for various purposes. My blog only tells you my first
> name. And I'm extremely critical of Bush & Co. on that blog.

But I'm sure your criticism of Bush & Co. is intended strictly to
helpfully suggest ways in which they might improve, and is not written
with the "intent to annoy".

I think the "intent" clause makes the law a little less bad.
Otherwise, it would criminalize all those poor clueless dolts out
there who are annoying without even trying (On the other hand, I'm
annoyed by top-posting; maybe a law making it illegal would be a good
thing).

Still, it is a pretty stupid law. "Preventing cyberstalking", as the
amendment is titled, might be a good motivation. But as written, it
doesn't seem to distinguish between targeting an individual with
threatening or malicious email, and simply posting "annoying" messages
on a website or bulletin board.

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