Thou Shall - "Flag" Your Neighbor

Looks like a new set of commandments or at least an adjustment to the ones set in stone is taking shape in of all places, the White House.

And the commandment was proclaimed by White House Director (there are so many of them - directors that is) of new media, Macon Phillips on his blog, urging readers to flag questionable claims about health care proposals.

In other words, if you disagree with the proposed health care bill don't protest too loud, you could be reported by someone around you.

And I can see this actually happening.

In my work environment, one has to be exceptionally careful how one voices an opinion. Especially an opinion about President Obama. It's OK if you're bashing the previous administration all day long, however venture into criticism of the present administration and be prepared to offend someone.

Now it seems like it's being encouraged to report such offensiveness.

Wow....

Our freedom of speech, I guess is only for a select few, 50 % by resent polls. So depending on what side of the 50% you fall on you could find yourself being "flagged". ... if it's about health care. Or who knows what else they want to use this W.H. program for?

We use to pride ourselves about our ability to protest, voice opinions and indeed this ability was touted by both those the liberal and conservative all in the name of being free Americans.

Now, we are called upon to "tell" on each other, told by the White House no less.

If this isn't Un-American, I don't know what is.

Sad day..

White House Encroaching on First Amendment

...

Yesterday, White House director of new media Macon Phillips wrote a blog posting urging readers to flag questionable claims about health care proposals.

“There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.”

Cornyn specifically asks whether those who quote the president’s past statements -- such as his 2003 statement that he was a “proponent” of single-payer care -- qualifies as “disinformation.” He also asks what actions the White House would take.
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