Light blogging this morning, as I head down to Olympia, where the Public Disclosure Commission is holding a “Stakeholder Meeting Regarding Internet Lobbying.” Considering some of the questions that will be addressed, I think I’m what one might describe as a stakeholder:
Lobbying Blogs (Web logs)?
o Are lobbying postings and responses on blogs reportable?
o Are funds provided to “tip jars” (donation links) on lobbying blogs reportable?
Um… hell no.
If the PDC were to adopt such rules, they would instantly become a playground for harassing bloggers, with organizations and individuals filing PDC complaints willy nilly. Such rules would also be a major lawsuit waiting to happen, as I’m going to make it clear that under no circumstances would I comply with such rules should they pass… unless, of course, they apply the exact same regulations to Frank Blethen and his staff of paid lobbyists.
I’ll report back from the meeting, but in the meanwhile, the PDC’s Lori Anderson is soliciting public comments, and you can send her an email here.
Quote from the PDC’s website:
“The public’s right to know of the financing of political campaigns and lobbying and the financial affairs of elected officials and candidates far outweighs any right that these matters remain secret and private.” [RCW 42.17.010(10)]
The above quotation is from the policy provisions of the Open Government Act, better known as the Public Disclosure Law, which aptly summarizes both the impetus for and the purpose of the statute.”
And if I’m not mistaken, all the members of the PDC were appointed by Democratic Governors.
And most were appointed by Gregoire. So I guess I kinda admire Goldy going up against Gregoire on this, even though he doesn’t want to mention her name.
If they demand monthly reports from me, I’ll be happy to send them bags of rabbit pellets.
Troll, if you want to clean up this state, the first thing we have to do is get BIAW’s fingers out of the L & I tax revenue till.
Let’s say the BIAW pays a TV station to run an issue ad, with the content provided by the BIAW. Then the BIAW pays a hosting company to run a web page touting an issue, with the content provided by the BIAW? Are either of these reportable as lobbying expenses? Or, if they were during the campaign, and both said something to the effect of “Gregoire hurts builders”, would one be subject to the campaign financing laws and one not?
Just like with your daughter and Graham Hill, when it’s in your own best interest, suddenly you turn conservative. Funny how that works. If only you could apply that concept to the rest of your thinking.
Roadkill Rabbit @ 4
If you actually knew what you were talking about, your post wouldn’t be the waste of electrons that it is.
The L&I rebate money is NOT the government’s money.
If you want to prevent the BIAW’s members from voting on how they want to use their L&I rebate money, you should argue just as strongly that NO union dues can be used for ANY political purposes.
In this time of financial uncertainty, we should think of the possible benefits of PDC blog regulation… the economic stimulus opportunity, for one. How many new PDC employees would it take to monitor and investigate complaints against thousands of blogs/ers in Washington?
Come on, all bloggers are lobbyists — as are all editorial writers, newspaper publishers, and just about every “neutral” reporter I’ve ever known.
Give it up. Give ’em hell Goldy.
At this point I have two URLs devoted to blogs. This is for sure, if the PDC or anybody else comes ofter me, I’ll just shut down instantly. Just the least bit of hassle and I’m gone.
This new Obamaland is going to be a nasty place indeed for those not in the preferred group. Get ready.
Kinda like happens now to elected officials, lobbyists, and others involved in state political activiity?
Face it. At the same time bloggers have recently been a tremendous force for openness in public–they also often adopt specific political agendas, pet candidates, and causes. The public has a right to know the financing of political activities in the state so why shouldn’t you be subject to the same law as others?
Your shit doesn’t stink any less or differently than anybody elses. You should want to share the aroma with the world and fill out a C3, F1, and/or L’s. ;)