If you have a blog, You should read this...

If you run a blog, and link to an item on a political candidate's web site, should that be considered a 'political contribution'? This sounded silly when I first heard about it - after all, how many links are meant to improve the standing the standing of the linkee in these cases? Quite often, in fact, just the opposite is true - and the link is being used to belittle a viewpoint or heap scorn on the candidate. However, we can't afford to laugh away the Federal Election Commission, or Judge Kollar-Kotelly : But last September U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly overturned the decision, arguing that the "commission's exclusion of Internet communications from the coordinated communications regulation severely undermines" the law's purpose. Interpreting this, Mr. Smith told CNET News that "any coordinated activity over the Internet would need to be regulated, as a minimum." This includes, but is not limited to, blogs and other sources of political news and opinion that might link to a candidate's Web page. (Washington Times / March 4) There are some big blog names on the petition, from both sides of the political spectrum. This is not a partisan problem - it will affect all of us, unless we speak up now. If this concerns you, as it does me, then please sign the online petition at The Online Coalition. When I signed it there were around 2360 signatures, and we need to spread the word. Hat Tip to Bunker Mulligan. Also, take a look at what Cass at Villainous Company has written - as always, she provides much food for thought. UPDATE Bunker has more in-depth analysis on the need for Real Reform. The Big Trunk at Powerline talks about what it is that Reformers really want at the Daily Standard.