The Rep. Robert Brady wants to make the use of language and symbols 'percieved' as threatening or inciting violence, against a federal official or member of congress a federal crime,

[URL]http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/09/shooting-prompts-legislation-to-protect-lawmakers-officials/[/URL]

Will a picture of a lamp post being held up by a protester have him/her thrown in prison?

"We must march to the white house and remove the traitors from within." Is this the type of language that will land you in the slammer?

Who decides?

It appears that the signature of the treasonous Rep. Robert Brady was also included, in a congressional letter sent to President Obama, urging clemency for Jonathan Pollard.

"These traitors should be hung." In before it becomes a crime. :lol:

Re: Dem planning bill that would outlaw threats to lawmakers

Isn't it already illegal to threaten a federal official with violence? First Amendment notwithstanding, the use of speech to incite violence is not protected speech.

Re: Dem planning bill that would outlaw threats to lawmakers

Yes it is.

This new law is the 'perceived' threat of language and symbols, that may incite violence against federal officials or members of congress.

Political prisoners galore.

Re: Dem planning bill that would outlaw threats to lawmakers

Knee jerk legislation in reaction to the rather inflamed political rhetoric that's been considered somewhat acceptable over the last few years. It's well intentioned, but legislation like this becomes nearly impossible to enforce when the idea is so open ended and vague.

Re: Dem planning bill that would outlaw threats to lawmakers

Toasty is right. I've read the law anyways. It was up on volokh or some other blawg. forget which.

Anyways, consider that if Loughner's threats against Gifford were counted as felonies, he would have been denied the purchase of a gun.

I'm not suggesting he wouldn't have otherwise found a way to get his hands on one, but it would have been more difficult.