Is this fucking America?

[PShabi]

Online Gambling Not Only Illegal, Now Also Unmentionable

Apparently, the state of Washington doesn't feel that classifying online gamblers as felons is draconian enough, as it's now looking to crack down on internet speech as well. The first victim of the new law is not charged with gambling itself, but of maintaining a website that discussed, reviewed and linked to online gambling sites. So far he has received only a cease and desist and a warning that criminal charges may follow. What's interesting and telling about enforcement of the law is that the Seattle Times columnist (linked-to above) had no problem with the law until he realized it could be applied to speech as well. But the state's actions shouldn't really be much of a surprise, considering the broad trend of various governments looking to limit the right to link as well as advertise objectionable activity, such as gambling. Clearly, the more government regulates online activity, the more derivative activity, such as writing or linking, will be under threat.