Posted by
arandomguy on Wednesday, March 07, 2007 12:04:18 AM
In a very interesting story coming out of the great nation of France, the "French Constitutional Council" has approved a law that will make it a criminal offense for any citizen to film or broadcast any acts of violence, unless they are a professional journalist. This law could end up leading to the arrest and imprisonment of eyewitnesses who fil acts of police violence, or French citizens who operate blogs. The decision came on the anniversary of the Rodney King affair in Los Angeles, which was filmed by amateur videographer George Holliday on March 3, 1991.
Doing something similar in France today, could lead to 5 years in prison and a nearly 100,000 fine to the filmer, which would in many cases be harsher than the penalty for commiting the violent act. In an attempt to create more officially certified journalists, the government has proposed a type of certification program, for mobile-phone operators, ISP's, Webmasters, and blog hosters that would identify them as "government-approved sources of information," provided they adhere to government rules and regulations regarding content.
Wow... just... wow. This reeks of heavy censorship. The only way you can film any act of violence, is with a government "permit." Furthermore, you must follow government rules when publishing or filming said acts - which is outright censorship in my book.
This is exactly the point I am trying to make when I say that Socialism inevitably leads to tyranny and oppression - though not always intentionally. First, it is censoring acts of violence. Next, it will be anything 'intolerable.' Then, anything involving the government. Then anything at all. If laws like this are not removed from the French books immediately, I fear a (much further) decline of the French nation. The french nation is becoming more and more oppressive. If I lived in France now, I would leave immediately - there's really no reason to stay. The country is being overrun with hostile immigrants, and will likely become the Islamic Republic of France one day soon. The government is so big it can do nothing, the economy is in shambles, the military is weak, and the government is now overreaching, and beginning to censor people.
Outrage.