On September 22, 2011, H.R. 3011 was introduced in the House. It is entitled the "Transportation Security Administration Authorization Act of 2011" and it contains some curious language.Yes, my fellow Canadians, let's not fool ourselves. In Canada the Parliament really can pass a law making it illegal to lampoon, parody, or otherwise mock government agencies and/or employees. In fact, its been done already. Right now our Supreme Court is grappling with the weighty issue of whether or not to ALLOW us to say mean things about members of certain protected groups. Not to be mean to them mind you, just to say things about them.
...The language states that it would be illegal to "convey the impression" that you are representing the TSA, but this interpretation would likely be left to federal prosecutors.
In the past, satire was protected under the First Amendment, but it may soon be illegal to poke fun at the TSA or use its logo or even utter its name. Notice there is no exception in the above language for parody.
Political satire is as old as the Greeks and the Bible. But it may now become a punishable crime if this legislation is enacted.
In the United States, this law can't survive its first day in court. Well, unless Barry and friends find a way to pack the court, of course. Then all bets are off.
Kind of like they are here in Canada, our courts got packed in the 1970's. Frankly, its been pretty much down hill ever since Pierre Trudeau declared war on freedom in this country.
The Phantom
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