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Advocacy Blog
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Advocating Against Corporate Censorship
Considering its free speech week, this Washington Post opinion piece (Oct. 17) should be commended. The presidents of NARAL Pro-Choice America and the Christian Coalition of America wrote in support of the fundamental, nonpartisan issue of free speech and the right of citizens to participate in the political process. They reference the events that occurred last month between Verizon wireless and NARAL Pro-Choice America's application for a text-messaging program that enables people to voluntarily sign up to receive updates by texting a five-digit code. "Free speech shouldn't stop when you turn on your computer or pick up your cellphone." Only after vigorous public objection did Verizon change its mind.
This issue is broader than one organization, one company or one topic. The issue is how communications companies can believe they have the authority to block content in the first place. Both of our groups, with other organizations across the political spectrum, are working to raise our members' awareness of the potential for discrimination in communications and of the impact it could have on how we engage in political advocacy in an ever-evolving technological world.
Posted by Amanda Adams
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