Should reform culture that public can get information. If you have it you can get it, if you can afford to hire a lawyer, but this is a big challenge how different culture is in Washington, a contentious place, people fear that you may use information against me. But have been proud to join with Senator Leahey on fundamental reforms, state sunshine laws would not see it as revolutionary. Bloggers should be treated like every other citizen, should not be treated at a disadvantage from MSM, blogger puncture pompous MSM intent on delivering party line, Dan Rather incident. Look forward to helping the blogosphere, don't support constraints in name of campaign finance reform. Some may not be responsible but that doesn't justify government legislating in name of campaign finance.
? Seems to be that Internet will be treated differently than other media types reged by FCC, Michael Moore exempt, my film wasn't.
JC - Support keeping blogosphere free of any regulation, need freedom of expression. McCain-Feingold was well-intended, but it hasn't worked very well. If purpose is to keep unaccountable money out of politics you have to buy media, have to filter media through press. Blogosphere gives candidates opportunity to get message out unedited. But need to be cautious in congress, tends to have heard mentality, risk averse. Have to stand up and say that we really have to solve this problem. Answer is not going into further restraint.
GR - Current Shield Law covers entities, other language more satisfactory, not covering where your paycheck comes from?
JC - Should apply to everyone doing broadcast and print, Bob Schieffer confronted, person took picture, goes on Web site. These people should be protected by a law, but points out the difficulty. Whether there is a constitutional shield, can't erect a shield, can't decide who's a journalist and who isn't, don't support different treatment for different people engaged in essentially the same activity.
? Don't see any difference between trained journalist and any other person with a computer?
JC - I was a journalism major myself, went into different profession, have respect for journalists and their standards, but people who purport to be bound by these standards engage in erroneous and irresponsible reporting. No logical dividing line, respect that many journalists have high standards, but too many conspicuous examples of those who do not. Drawing the line is an impossible job.
? Dave Johnston - I reacted to your words in the blogosphere, I encourage you and your colleagues to start blogging.
JC - That's in theory what we're doing on the Senate floor, but I respect the principle of free speech and free expression. I see the blogosphere restoring the original vision of the free press.
