COPA, CIPA, Etc.
I’ve been trying to understand all the attempts for years and I have to admit, it is difficult for the layman. I recently received a letter from the the ACLJ that gave me some hope. But honestly, it also confused me a bit.
I believe that we have a responsibility as adults to keep pornographic material out of the hands of children. I also believe in free speech. COPA, which was actually signed in 1998, was a great answer. But the ACLU stepped in within days and tied up this very good law for years. I think it became declared unconstitutional. I don’t get it.
Then in 2003, the PROTECT Act was signed. This dealt with many online theats, but was primarily aimed at child predators, a more severe problem. Even this now has been declared unconstitutional. Who is in charge of our courts? I believe in free speech but there must be limits on what we allow in its name. There simply must be. Common sense dictates it.
Anyway all the legal mumbo jumbo has actually got me a bit confused right now. The letter from the ACLJ stated that the Supreme Court is supposed to take a look at PROTECT. That’s good news and I hope that real common sense will prevail. I encourage you to support the ACLJ (not the ACLU).
In the process of trying to understand all of this a bit better, I have uncovered a series of articles and publications about COPA, CIPA, and their histories. Maybe one of you readers can understand it all and help me understand exactly where this all stands as of today. If someone can help me, I’ll be happy to post it here.
P.S. I receive more pornographic spam on this blog than I do really objective commentary or analysis. If you are reading this, please consider commenting or writing to me about your views. Thanks