License to Blog

According to Fox News Michigan Senator Bruce Patterson has introduced legislation which would establish a voluntary program whereby reporters could register with the state.

According to Patterson reporter registration is needed because:

“Legitimate media sources are critically important to our government,” he said.

He told FoxNews.com that some reporters covering state politics don’t know what they’re talking about and they’re working for publications he’s never heard of, so he wants to install a process that’ll help him and the general public figure out which reporters to trust.

“We have to be able to get good information,” he said. “We have to be able to rely on the source and to understand the credentials of the source.”

Here are some details regarding requirements needed to secure registration:

According to the bill, reporters who register will have to pay an application and registration fee and provide a "Board of Michigan Registered Reporters" with proof of:

-- "Good moral character” and demonstrate they have industry “ethics standards acceptable to the board.”

-- Possession of a degree in journalism or other degree substantially equivalent.

-- Not less than 3 years experience as a reporter or any other relevant background information.

-- Awards or recognition related to being a reporter.

-- Three or more writing samples.

Three writing samples? Who judges those? Not to mention proving you have good moral character. How does one do that? Lack of a criminal record? And, just how does a reporter new to the profession have 'Awards or recognition related to being a reporter'? Is registration only open to established reporters?

And, you have to pay to apply, and to register? Where would that money go? To the state? Isn't there an inherent conflict involved with such a set up?

What really stands out to me is the requirement that the hopeful reporter has 'ethics standards acceptable to the board'. What the hell? What if the reporter recently moved from another state where they criticized a state senator (or anyone else for that matter) who is pals with someone on the 'Board of Michigan Registered Reporters'?

When reading pieces posted on certain movie sites and blogs I'm as offended and confused as the esteemed senator. Some of the content is so poorly written and rude it's embarrassing to be considered 'one of them'. However, this bone-head legislation is as scary as it is stupid. What's next? Will I need a license to blog? What comes after that? Sure, the program would be voluntary...now, but what about in the future? Full on police state? Will they burn the Bill of Rights on the White House lawn?

It compels me to exercise my freedom of speech:

OPEN LETTER TO BRUCE PATTERSON

Dear Senator Patterson:

Please withdraw your proposed idiotic legislation.


Thank you
Alan Green (Unregistered Blogger, USA)


ps -- suggest you re-read the Bill of Rights. If you haven't heard of it, here's the link to Wikipedia. If you're too lazy, here's an excerpt you should familiarize yourself with:

First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.