<nettime> political spam filters

[Ryan Griffis <grifray@yahoo.com>]

this is regional, but has larger implications. has anyone heard of other
examples of political "filtering" of communication? best, ryan

OPB News

Forest Service to Limit Some Public Comment

By Jeff Brady

PORTLAND, OR 2003 04-25

The Forest Service is rejecting public comments on proposed rule changes
when they come in from web sites and on preprinted post cards.

Agency spokesman Joe Walsh says the comments duplicate viewpoints, provide
little useful information and can be overwhelming.

Doug Heiken with the Oregon Natural Resources Council says overwhelming
comments should be a sign to the Forest Service that people are passionate
about an issue.

Doug Heiken: "These technologies should be used to strengthen our
democracy, so that more people can participate. And the idea that the
Forest Service is trying to stifle democracy by shutting down certain ways
for people to have their voice heard seems inappropriate to us."

The Forest Service plans to filter out emails that come through outside
servers, such as a business or environmental web site. Many groups
encourage supporters to contact the government through their web sites, or
to use preprinted cards or letters where senders can check off statements
they agree with.




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