Missouri Gov. Signs Cyber Bullying Bill

[mamacags]

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D91KLMD80&show_article=1

 
Missouri governor signs Internet harassment bill 
 
Jun 30 06:13 PM US/Eastern
By JIM SALTER

 
O'FALLON, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt signed a bill Monday outlawing cyberbullying, just miles from where a 13-year-old girl committed suicide nearly two years ago after being harassed on the Internet.
The bill updates state laws against harassment by removing the requirement that the communication be written or over the telephone. Supporters say the bill now covers harassment from computers, text messages and other electronic devices.

"Social networking sites and technology have opened a new door for criminals and bullies to prey on their victims, especially children," Blunt said. "This new law will ensure that we have the protections and penalties needed to safeguard Missourians from Internet harassment."

Megan Meier killed herself in October 2006, shortly after receiving mean-spirited messages over the Internet. Her suicide prompted the bill.

The teenager's mother, wearing a picture of her daughter in a pin on her dress, stood over the governor's shoulder as he signed the bill at a St. Charles County library.

Meier said she was grateful, but said much more needs to be done to make sure children are kept safe.

"This is certainly not the end," she said. "Bullying and cyberbullying is something that takes place every day. This is not just one case with Megan."
(more at link)


While I see their point this scares the doody out of me.  Who is to decide what is bullying and what isn't?
 
 

[formerlurker]

That total freakshow mother who harrassed that girl really should be locked up, so to that end I understand the sentiment.    I agree though that unless it is cleary defined, it is rather alarming legislation. 

 

[Chris_]

That total freakshow mother who harrassed that girl really should be locked up, so to that end I understand the sentiment.    I agree though that unless it is cleary defined, it is rather alarming legislation. 

 

Nothing can remove our freedoms faster than politicians who feel the need to Do Something.

[Lord Undies]

It's for the children!

I find these type laws ironic.  Do you know that thirteen and a half years before this girl killed herself, her mother could have had her murdered and it would have been legal?

[Lanie]

I do think there should be laws against internet harrassment with clarification on what harrassment is. Harrassment and threats should not be tolerated. But cyber bullying could be harrassment and threats or it could just be somebody who is an asshole to you on the internet when you disagree with them. I'm a little worried about what direction that goes in.

I have a soft and protective spot for kids. I think parents should keep their kids away from certain stuff. However, I'm wondering if this girl really killed herself over some mean stuff said to her on the internet. How many kids get harrassed and threatened in school on a regular basis and don't commit suicide?

[Tess Anderson]

I have mixed feelings out this one - on one hand, this law would actually make that sicko neighbor bitch actually criminally liable for what she did, but then on the other hand, this is regulating the internet, that could be opening a can or owrms.

Good idea if this law is very specific, but it sounds too broadly-written for me.

[Mr Mannn]

I have mixed feelings out this one - on one hand, this law would actually make that sicko neighbor bitch actually criminally liable for what she did, but then on the other hand, this is regulating the internet, that could be opening a can or owrms.

Good idea if this law is very specific, but it sounds too broadly-written for me.

Bingo. It would only take a single liberal judge to declare our DUmmie forum to be harassment. Disagree with the gay agenda taught in schools? Harassment.
Conservative website printing facts about Obama? Harassment.

Thats why I shudder to think what would happen if a liberal like Obama would walk into office with existing terror laws to play with. Libs will twist any good law into an instrument of vengeance.

[Chris_]

Give 'em time.  Soon there will be laws to protect our right to not be offended on the internet.   

[Flame]

Give 'em time.  Soon there will be laws to protect THEIR right to not be offended on the internet.   

Fixed

[DixieBelle]

Slippery slope. And the liberals will be all too happy to push the rest of us down it.

[Ptarmigan]

I do not like the idea of this law. I mean the Internet is no different from telephone, granted it is new technology. Well, that Lori Drew is ****head of the lowest denominator besides Fred Phelps and Michael Crook.