Armey Speaks

Republican Dick Armey has written a breakdown of everything that must be addressed in the new version of the UIGEA which his party is working on passing in these last days of the Bush Administration. He has served as a well respected economist and politician, and as such as taken it upon himself to alert his peers and the citizens of this country of exactly what is at stake in the reworking of the UIGEA.

He acknowledges that there is a need for a regulating document pertaining to the internet, but cautions against something that is so invasive that it will hinder the positive properties of the internet as an agent for growth.

Currently, he says, the country’s financial sector must act as an extension of the government as the responsibility of interpreting and enforcing the law has fallen on its shoulders. That, of course is wrong and irresponsible, since it should be kept separate from the government.

Furthermore, how online activity is regulated will set the precedent for future internet dealings, and will set the tone for governmental involvement in the future.

It needs to be specific, and clear and fair, but also needs to preserve the right of American privacy and liberty. The way that the country handles this new territory is crucial, not only in setting the tone for our own future, but also serving as an example (good or bad) for other countries to follow suit.