2008 House Bill 775 (Prohibit anonymous blogging)

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Introduced by Rep. Tim Couch on March 4, 2008, to require prior registration for anyone who posts information to a website, blog, or message board and create fines for violations.
- Referred to the House Licensing and Occupations Committee on March 6, 2008.

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Comments

Introduced by Rep. Tim Couch on March 4, 2008. New Comment

1) Big deal. [by Anonymous Citizen on August 19, 2008]
So you can't remain anonymous. I am so tired of all of the freedom of speech double talk. If there were true freedom of speech I could say what I want when I want and not have to be afraid of the PC police. Too many times people are afraid to really say what they mean for fear of offending someone or being OMG! politically incorrect. Say what you want to say, don't let your thoughts be stifled and silenced by anyone!!! If you have a belief and believe in it strongly enough to comment on it , stand up behind it. Don't hide behind the anonymous mask. If you feel the need to do so, you truly do not have that much faith in your convictions.
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2) HB 775 -friend of sponsor [by Anonymous Citizen on August 10, 2008]
Did you not read the comment on this tread regarding this bill made August 8th. The sponsor did "not" file this bill in an effort to change the law for he knew the bill would not even be discussed. He filed it due to the many complaints he had received from citizens in his District about the conduct of and statements made by bloggers. He just wanted the issue discussed in the open, and it has been. We clearly have the freedom to say want we want and we want to continue to have that freedom, but some clearly abuse that right with foul language and crude, mean-minded statemens, often unture. The KKK can hold rallies and speak out on issues, and does not mean everyone likes it, but that is the price we pay for our freedom of speach.
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3) COMMUNIST! [by Anonymous Citizen on August 9, 2008]
* First Amendment – Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause; freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly; right to petition

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

YOUR LAW VIOLATES THE FIRST AMENDMENT, not to mention right to PRIVACY!
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4) HB 775 [by Anonymous Citizen on August 8, 2008]
This bill was filed in the 2008 session and was not discussed nor voted on, and therefore is dead. The sponsor of this bill (Rep. Tim Couch) knew the bill would not receive consideration, but filed it due to the many complaints he had recieved from citizens in his district about this issue. He filed the bill for one reason, to have the issue in the open and for it to recieve discussion from the citizens. It clearly did that. Rep. Couch was re-elected to the House this May by a wide margin in this district for they clearly know he serves them well in Frankfort.

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5) Anon [by Anonymous Citizen on August 7, 2008]
Perhaps before you attempt to outlaw anonymity online, you should consider the positive results it has provided. wikileaks.org
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6) A message to Timothy Couch [by AN0NYM0US on August 5, 2008]
In Re: 2008-HB-775

We are Anonymous. We have been watching you.

We don't like your proposed legislation very much, but the truth is that we don't really need to rant or threaten. There isn't anything at stake.

You are not the first benighted fool whose philosophy amounts to fighting the march of history. You are probably too sheltered, too out of touch, and too short-sighted to realize that even were your proposals made into laws, they could only delay the inevitable rise of Anonymous. Anonymous is not a set of individuals, talking via the internet. Anonymous is an era. Anonymous is the inescapable consequence of the world you created.

History changes, old man. Faster and faster every day. We are anonymous. We are legion. We are something you will never understand.

And we are the future.
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7) To Timothy Couch [by Anonymous Citizen on August 5, 2008]
In Re: 2008-HB-775

We are Anonymous. We have been watching you.

We don't like your proposed legislation very much, but the truth is that we don't really need to rant or threaten. There isn't anything at stake.

You are not the first benighted fool whose philosophy amounts to fighting the march of history. You are probably too sheltered, too out of touch, and too short-sighted to realize that even were your proposals made into laws, they could only delay the inevitable rise of Anonymous. Anonymous is not a set of individuals, talking via the internet. Anonymous is an era. Anonymous is the inescapable consequence of the world you created.

History changes, old man. Faster and faster every day. We are anonymous. We are legion. We are something you will never understand.

And we are the future.
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8) Anonymous [by Anonymous Citizen on July 31, 2008]
Tim Couch, you worthless imbecile. By proposing this bill, you have incurred the wrath of Anonymous from across the entire internet. Expect heavy resistance, for we shall not let you pass this bill.
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9) anon/b/ [by Anonymous Citizen on July 29, 2008]
WE ARE LEGION, MOFO.
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10) identity [by Anonymous Citizen on July 20, 2008]
will never be shared
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11) Anonymous [by Anonymous Citizen on July 17, 2008]
Anonymous does not forgive
Anonymous does not forget
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12) Help! [by Anonymous Citizen on July 17, 2008]
I'm bein' repressed!

Seriously, this is just an attempt by the government to track people and be able to filter the things they don't want people to say. Bravo, Kentucky, land of American fascism!
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13) Anon [by Anonymous Citizen on July 13, 2008]
I doubt that'll stop any one of us.
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14) Anonymous now and forever [by Anonymous Citizen on July 5, 2008]
Bring. it. on.
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15) anonymous [by Anonymous Citizen on July 4, 2008]
YAY! i wuv fascism!

lololololololololololol
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16) NO U [by Anonymous Citizen on July 4, 2008]
We're authoritarian? That makes absolutely no sense. Did you actually think about what you were posting or did you pick random words from the dictionary?
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17) Anon here. [by Anonymous Citizen on June 30, 2008]
I'm behind seven proxies and bought a dog, go get me. First Amendment anyone?

That's why we need to vote Obama.
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18) Whata bunch of crap. [by Anonymous Citizen on June 26, 2008]
Srsly.
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19) I'm so glad [by Anonymous Citizen on June 25, 2008]
that I don't live in Kentucky.
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20) Anon [by Anonymous Citizen on June 20, 2008]
This guy just declared war on Anonymous.
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21) Garbage [by Anonymous Citizen on June 18, 2008]
i will violate this bill just out of spite.
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22) Oh no! [by Anonymous Citizen on June 16, 2008]
I'm violating your bill now.

Good job, politicians. Good job.
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23) This is madness [by Anonymous Citizen on June 2, 2008]
First amendment anyone? Oh wait, that doesn't seem to hold any weight these days. Sorry guys.
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24) LOL [by Anonymous Citizen on May 31, 2008]
The governemt is protecting us... FROM OURSELVES
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25) We are legion [by Anonymous Citizen on May 25, 2008]
Anonymous is Legion. Anonymous does not forgive. Anonymous does not forget. Expect us; we are coming.
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26) Oh. [by Anonymous Citizen on May 22, 2008]
I'm British and even I can tell that this flies in the face of everything your founding fathers stood for. America is supposedly the "land of the free," but with legislation like this it is no wonder that you're becoming the laughing stock of the world stage.
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27) Wow. [by Anonymous Citizen on May 21, 2008]
How ignorant of the internet do you have to be to put up an idea like this?

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28) We do not forgive [by Anonymous Citizen on May 16, 2008]
Expect us.

We are coming.
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29) about the Government [by Anonymous Citizen on May 10, 2008]
When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty. - Thomas Jefferson

They better remember something, a majority of all American citizens have guns, and if you piss off your people, they won't hesitate to defend their rights and freedoms.
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30) Freedom Of Speech? [by Anonymous Citizen on April 26, 2008]
This is just another attack on freedom in this county. Every time you turn around the police are after you. The Thought Police, careful what you think about someone it might offend them or could be a hate crime. The Speech Police, The Smoking Police, and now the Political Police, careful what you say they have your name and number and know where you live. Is this the Republic of Kentucky in the making, but wait we are a Republic. Maybe Rep Couch likes the communist style of Republic better. It does protect the entrenched politicians better.
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31) Who voted for you? [by Anonymous Citizen on April 23, 2008]
Whoever voted for this Tim Couch retard...YOU ARE DISGRACE TO KENTUCKY...I hate living here because of retards like you, Mrs. Couch.

Please continue to fail so you can get voted out of the office!

-270 kentuckian.
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32) Online bullying & robo calls [by Anonymous Citizen on April 11, 2008]
The legislators who filed these bills did so knowing the bills would never be voted on, but did so to get some discussion on the issues. Citizens are sick and tired of robo calls, and candidiates who use them may lose more votes than they recieve. Online bullying is also a very sad thing. However while legislators recieve many complaints about those issues, they understand they are allowed due to our freedom of speach. This was their effort to get this matters discussed, it seems their efforts worked. A discussion of the issues is the best that can be done, and that should be done. The legislators understand and know that. My hat is off to them for bringing these matters out in the open, however nothing else can be done for there will always be low-lifes who take advantage of our very dear freedom of speach.
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33) Higdon and Couch [by Anonymous Citizen on May 5, 2008]
How funny #3 post as anonymous. if making enemies of the public at large was the goal of Jimmy Higdon and Tim Couch they have suceeded. There will always be low-lifes that try to destroy our constitutional freedoms. I suppose you are also under the delusion that we live in a democracy. The united states is not a democracy it is a republic.
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34) Anonymous [by Anonymous Citizen on April 5, 2008]
Nein, das geht nicht. Total schlect. Ich kann nicht , uh, what's the german for anonymous posting?
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35) Irony. [by Anonymous Citizen on April 3, 2008]
It is ironic that you propose a bill for the cancellation of Anonymity on the internet Mr. Couch, when this very website allows one to post as such.

Failure is something that is not tolerated.

Many lulz to come I fear.
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36) Expect us. [by Anonymous Citizen on May 14, 2008]
Read the title...
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37) Lets think about this [by Anonymous Citizen on March 31, 2008]
Now I may be just a simple anonymous poster on these here parts of the tubes, but I think that you all have better things to do that infringe on our right to speech. Also how will this really stop people from bullying? Think about it they will just create proxies and get you that way. Don't waste your time.
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38) I think I'm in love [by Anonymous Citizen on March 24, 2008]
Do you have ANY idea how much easier this will make stalking?
-S. Predator
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39) Oh look a post [by JohnSmith11223 on March 21, 2008]
Hey look a post with a fake name, that really stopped me from posting anonymously....
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40) Not a Citizen [by Anonymous Citizen on March 21, 2008]
Another reason to not move to Kentucky, welcome to the police state. By the way what would stop me from registering under John Smith and a throw away email address?
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41) Nope! [by Anonymous Citizen on March 20, 2008]
Kentucky I'd like you to meet our founding fathers.

They're pissed. And holding cricket paddles.

On a sidenote, I'm posting anonymously. Lulz.
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42) With all due respect... [by Anonymous Citizen on March 19, 2008]
I think the previous comments prove that whatever (arguably valid) point Rep. Couch was trying to make has been obscured completely by the heavy-handed way he chose to register his complaint. I would just like to add my concerns that the whole real-name-and-address requirement would be a boon for stalkers, potential sex offenders, and real-world bullies; even if the information wasn't technically "in the open", the lax security of many message boards make it an almost trivial concern to potential victimizers.

I respect the Representative's concern over the cyberbullying issue, but the real consequences of this bill simply weren't thought out at all.
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43) Please do it [by Anonymous Citizen on March 19, 2008]
Go for it. Anonymous and the /b/tards are a bunch of racist, sexist, homophobic, prudish, authoritarian, backward hate-filled a-holes who ruin everything for everyone.
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44) Oh my... [by Kettle on June 1, 2008]
After looking at this bill, I believe that the main problem is Section 2, part 3; it doesn't establish any criteria or credentials needed to make a request for the personal information of the poster. I feel that unless this is allowed by only the use of law enforcement in order to get a warrant on those who use anonymity to distribute illegal materials or to learn the identity of someone that is threatening the life, safety and peace of another person and/of their family, friends, property (I, myself, have once received an e-mail that contained the threat of arson, as well as the promise of death a few years back. I wasn't too thrilled about that...) etc. Under its current phrasing, the fear of stalkers or disgruntled malcontents who feel the need of retribution against those that disagree with them taking their plans to the physical world is very real in my opinion. Couch, I implore you please fix this error as soon as possible before one innocent life is lost and this blunder becomes your legacy. Thank you and good day.
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45) Huh... [by Anonymous Citizen on June 1, 2008]
I was certain that the term "Anonymous" related to the definition of the word (Nameless; of unknown name; also, of unknown /or unavowed authorship; as, an anonymous benefactor; an anonymous pamphlet or letter. Provided by Webster's) and not a actual collective of people. Unless I'm mistaken, this law applies to the method you just shared your opinion and how I have replied to it. Funny how if this was passed before we posted, we would be considered criminals by the state of Kentucky, huh.

If this was too long:
Hi Pot, I'm Kettle.
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46) It is sad to know that Kentucky law makers have nothing better to do. [by Noahbody on March 18, 2008]
Here is a link to a story from 2000 where a court in NJ upheld free speech in allowing anonymous postings. http://www.citizen.org/pressroom/release.cfm?ID=551

This is just one of many both at a state level and at a federal level.

Kind sirs, instead of trying to do stupidity, why don't you free up right in Kentucky. Make Kentucky a MODEL for other states to follow.

Why don't you start by updating liquor laws, pass emission testing and sound testing on vehicles, and other things that are GOOD for the people of the Commonwealth?
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47) Kentucky Bill of Rights [by Anonymous Citizen on March 19, 2008]
What would Publius, Cato, Brutus and The Federal Farmer think?

I am referring to the individuals who wrote the Federalist Papers and the opposing views that have come to be known as the Anti-Federalist Papers. These are the names under which our founding fathers wrote to espouse their views on the ratification of the U. S. Constitution. The Kentucky Bill of Rights looks even protect these freedoms more than the First Amendment to the U. S. Constitution.

Just sign me Publius, Cato, Brutus and The Federal Farmer.
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48) This bill will accomplish nothing. [by Anonymous Citizen on March 17, 2008]
If this bill passes, it will only affect sites located on servers in the state of Kentucky.

That means blogging sites that are located on servers in the state of Kentucky will have to relocate to servers located outside of Kentucky. Seeing as the vast majority of web servers are located outside of Kentucky and relocating a website is about as difficult as changing ones cell phone service provider, this bill will do absolutely nothing.

Personally, I hope this bill does pass, just the the rest of the world can point and laugh at the legislature of kentucky
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49) "a legal name" [by Anonymous Citizen on March 15, 2008]
"... require information content providers to register a legal name ..."

LOL do I have to register using my legal name, or can I use someone else's?

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50) Tim Couch = Idiot [by Anonymous Citizen on March 13, 2008]
This is perhaps the most idiotic piece of legislation I have ever seen a politician introduce. Tim Couch, your incompetence as a politician is exceeding your incompetence as an NFL quarterback, which is a tough feat to accomplish.

Signed,
"Anyone that votes to reelect this imbecile doesn't deserve to vote."
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51) Jimmy Higdon an enemy of the Constitution [by Anonymous Citizen on April 11, 2008]
Let's not forget Jimmy Higdon Co-sponsored this unconstitutional bill. Higdon is also trying to ban robo calls which is also unconstitutional, next he'll be taking our gun rights. Time to send him home.
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52) relax, deep breath [by Anonymous Citizen on April 15, 2008]
While co-sponsoring the Tim Couch internet bill was a mistake for Jimmy Higdon, he is not an "enemy of the constitution..." His bill against robo-calls does not "ban" them, it only empowered citizens to be removed from the calling list if they so choose. Giving power to the people is explicitly pro-constitutional.

And he has an A+ rating with the NRA, so trying to scare gun owners with conjecture will get you nowhere.
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53) another clueless legislator [by Anonymous Citizen on April 19, 2008]
um relax deep breath we already have a national political do not call list people can choose to be put on. if higdon wasn't a clueless legislator he would inform his constituents to be placed on that instead of wasting tax payers money and time trying to reinvent the wheel. or was this just another "mistake"? what a joke. http://www.stoppoliticalcalls.org
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54) Incorrect [by rossh on April 15, 2008]
You seem to be under the delusion that many politicians are under, and that is that government holds all power, and selectively bestows rights and liberties upon its citizens as it sees fit. This is of course orthogonal to the reality that citizens selectively give rights to government. It simply does not work your way. By seizing control of privacy, one little bit at a time, government is not giving you rights heh. They are stealing them. Please don't make this all-too-common error again.
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55) Love This Site! [by Anonymous Citizen on March 12, 2008]
I think sites like this one offers everyone a way to voice an opinion without fear. I love this site. I love the opportunity to give my opinion about current bills and/or laws freely. I also love reading the opinions of others. It gives great insight into what others think and why. It helps me to even look at things in different ways. I also think the moderators do a great job of approving comments. I haven't really seen any comments that aren't from the heart. Yes, the truth hurts sometimes and sometimes its not pretty. Most people don't give their real, honest opinion about things because they don't think it will really make a difference anyway and most are afraid of repercussions in one form or another. I think our "elected" officials would encourage sites like this in order to get a feel for what people really think. I assumed this site was developed for that purpose. Now I'm wondering if they even look at it. If they don't, they should. There should always be some way for people to exercise freedom of speech without fear. Above all, our legislators should agree.
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56) Hmmm [by Anonymous Citizen on March 11, 2008]
Man, what a waste of time and energy. Excellent job getting the media spolight Rep. Couch.

In case I'm wrong about your spotlight seeking, let me explain why this is a waste of time:

1. A bill like this couldn't be enforced in any way shape or form. Much like the recent internet gambling bill. Since that passed, I've been forced to play poker on the same sites I used to.

2. Even if it passes, it can only apply to Kentucky based websites. Which means that the 10*23 power blogging websites not located in Kentucky won't care.

3. People need to grow the heck up and realized that words are words and, if you don't like the big bully being mean to you, you can turn off the computer and go for a walk.

I'm glad the Kentucky taxpayers are paying your salary and not me. I'd want a refund.
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57) lol wut [by Anonymous Citizen on March 11, 2008]
@ idiot lawmaker:

Don't try and suggest laws for someplace you know nothing about. There's no way you can possibly hope to enforce a bill like this. I don't even have to go calling you a nazi. I want to see this get passed, and I want to see it fall on its face. For no other reason than that it would be amusing. Anonymous is legion. Good luck, sir.
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58) Anonymous Citizen [by Anonymous Citizen on March 11, 2008]
Anonymous Citizens are now illegal. If you've ever posted on this site, please proceed to the nearest Reeducation Center now.
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59) What do you want to bet [by Anonymous Citizen on March 11, 2008]
He will be saddened, and "suprised" when a battered woman is tracked down and murdered by their stalker? He really isn't thinking clearly. I say, let the law pass, only if every single time someone is assaulted or robbed and the criminal got their name and personal information off the internet, someone gets to take one million dollars from him, and throw him in jail for a month. If someone is murdered it is his entire estate that gets taken from him, and he spends the rest of his life in jail.
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60) And [by Anonymous Citizen on March 11, 2008]
When someone is murdered and it is proven the criminal got the victim's name and address from the internet due to the new law, the law is fully repealed and never put on the table again, nor is any revised version of the law ever proposed. Deal?
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61) Ballsy move to Fight (Bullies) online: [by Anonymous Citizen on March 11, 2008]
Thank you Tim Couch for having the Guts Leaders need.

I agree in principle with Couch's introduction to trying to fight bullies on the internet.

Did not a 40 year old media journalist just commit suicide because of cyber bullies?

I think that Couch is trying to address this problem.

You see, in the real, face to face world, most verbal attacks are not as aggressive as the ones that can be cloaked in secrecy by the use of anonymity on the internet. And this secrecy of identity can and is used by all those "NICE" and "Polite" people on the internet who intend on hurting those they hate, since they can do it without impunity!!

But, in real life (face to face), you know who the other person is and so you can hold them accountable for their damaging actions (being written or verbal communication).

Wake up everyone!!!!! People will abuse anything they can when it serves their immature, jealous or envious egos.

Not EVERYONE who remains anonymous on the internet has GOOD Motives. Some want to hurt you AND I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD BE PUNISHED WHEN THEY CHOOSE TO DO SO. Just like in real life when you can sue someone personally for libel or slander.

Thank you Tim Couch for your Courage.

Sincerely,

Anonymous NON-Bully
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62) WOW [by Anonymous Citizen on March 11, 2008]
Wow you deserve to be ripped on for saying what you just did. I dont care if some journalist commited suicide from "cyber-bullying", God i hate that term....They are 40 years old, they didn't commit suicide because someone A)made comments to them that they "Willingly logged onto read" B) Sent them mail that the "Willingly read" or C) published any facts about them that they "decided" to accept as anythig more then someone stating their VALID opinion.....

If someone who is forty commited suicide over cyber bullying i can assure you its not because of cyber bullying it is because that person was mentally ill and probobly needed help.

Peaople who want to blame the public, and take away others liberties because of some soap box they decided to stand on can take the weight of stupid pointless bills and laws on hot topic sunjects should start learning what this country is about....You thought police politicians sicken me!

If you, people who push this legislation, want to tell me what i can and cant belive say or express your living in the wrong country and following the wrong constitution...

The politicians who took an oath to uphold the contitution should be tried under treason when they STEAL away the rights of the individuals they were elected to protect...

AND this isn't even mentioning that it is essentially an unenforcable bill and teven proposing it drafting it and pushing it was a huge waste of taxpayer money....i mean we actually pay for these politicians to sit around and draft this garbage!!!

People open your eyes and take back the country from fascists who want to police your thought and your opinions...
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63) No Title [by Anonymous Citizen on March 11, 2008]
You sir should be a victim of Darwinism....
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64) Really? [by Anonymous Citizen on March 11, 2008]
You would know me from Adam? I would know you from Eve?! Since when?!

You do not grasp the nature of stalking, obviously. People you do not even know could be stalking you. This law would just make it that much easier for them to find you where you live, and take your life. One of the first safety rules we teach our children is "NEVER give out your real name, or address on the internet!" This is for good reason. Why do you think it is any safer for adults to give up their identifying information? It isn't!

Chances are, the person being stalked has no idea this is going on, and if they do figure out they are being stalked (usually via the fact the stalker tells them so) they don't know who it is. Stalkers skulk in the shadows, online and offline. This would just ensure they didn't reveal any hint online before going to enact their fantasy at their obsession's house. NOT A GOOD IDEA!
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65) another communist law [by Anonymous Citizen on March 11, 2008]
Not only would this violate freedom of speech it would also violate ISP privacy rules. Is your next bill going to force us to be nice to the annoying telemarketers? At least that law would be enforceable. You will never be able to catch those that post anonymously. How much would taxes go up, to pay for the infrastructure, computers, and programmers/hackers to catch anonymous posters? Also, how much will it cost the tax payers once someone does get caught, and sues once you trample their rights? How much will be spent in the courts to get private information from ISP's? If you don't want to be bullied, stay off forums and chat rooms. If you don't want your kids to be bullied, maybe supervise their internet experience or maybe educate them instead of relying on the state to teach morals and values.
Maybe Kentucky needs to see how enforceable this really is by checking out Brazil's results on anonymity. It didn't stop anyone...
It's refreshing to see, that the government is tackling such an important issue. Maybe we should force Microsoft to release the redneck version of their OS too, for the few rednecks you will be protecting/harassing?
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66) Pedophiles [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
I can't wait until this becomes law and some pedophile in Kentucky sets up a poke-mon message board. How many children's names and addresses do you think he can collect?

I don't think Rep. Couch thought this through very well.
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67) HB 775 [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
The sponsor of this bill knows it will not be discussed, debated or voted on. He is bringing attention to a problem. Due to our Freedom of Speech, there is no answer to the problem without taking rights away or adding more government regulation to free speach. Therefore we will just have to live with the problem and he is aware of that fact. This was done to get some discussion on the issue that many feel is a bad thing. My guess the discussion will not help but at least it was a try rather than doing nothing.
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68) How? [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
As a Kentucky citizen and a registered Republican, I hang my head in shame. This is completely contrary to our freedom of press. Get it out right now, please.
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69) Wow... [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
Yes this is anonymous post just because of the principle involved.

This guy isn't wearing a red arm band and khakis is he?

Maybe the voters of his district like being represented by a socially ignorant and technically incompetent tool.
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70) Neither practical nor right. [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
This bill, aside from infringing on rights to free speech, is a useless band-aid of a bill that attempts to address the issue of online bullying by stripping rights from bullies, bullied and bystanders alike. If you were really trying to limit the (rather exaggerated) online bullying problem, may I suggest actually funding some internet safety and etiquette initiatives to educate kids and parents on the risks inherent to the online community? Education is the answer, not punishment.
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71) 1st amendment? [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
And you all wonder why people make fun of Kentucky?
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72) Research? [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
Anonymous speech is protected under the first amendment. It wasn't even hard to find this:

http://www.eff.org/issues/anonymity

It's called google.

But, of course, someone with even a modicum of experience with the actual internet would never have proposed this law in the first place.

Twit.
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73) Junk legislation [by brian.honaker on March 10, 2008]
Exactly how will you enforce this? If I put my server out of state, you'll have nothing to say. How are we supposed to keep technology dollars in the state this way? You are counting on no one listening to this stupid law so money will come in. I say that more money will leave as people relocate their servers out of state. This is why the country thinks we are all backward rednecks, and you are their leader. When will you leave good people alone and focus on criminals?
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74) This is the stupidest piece of legislation ever. [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
How do you intend to enforce this? Do you honestly believe that will work? This is but one more way to ensure a police state. Leave people alone. Stay out of our internet. I'll move my server out of state, as will lots of people. So much for bringing revenue into the state.
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75) Couch got his feelings hurt [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
How much does anyone want to bet that this is really an attempt to attack the owner of this very site? I've got 20 bucks on it.
So who hurt poor Timmy's feelings? Please let it be me!
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76) Ruining Kentucky's Reputation [by ericc4 on March 10, 2008]
Rep. Couch,
As you know, we have had problems in the past with our reputation around the country. I can't even count how many times people have assumed I'm an ignorant redneck just because I'm from Kentucky.
Luckily, this situation has improved significantly over the past few years. People are finally starting to see us as making a legitimate contribution to American society as a whole.
Then you come along with this incredibly ignorant piece of legislation. You are actively destroying Kentucky's reputation and should be ashamed of yourself. Please, withdraw this bill and issue a public apology for your ignorance immediately.

Eric Cranley
Treasurer, Libertarian Party of Kentucky
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77) So true. [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
Mr. Couch, you should be ashamed of supporting this blatant attack on freedom of speech. I'm surrounded by people in Connecticut who think Kentucky (and other southern states) is full of ignorant backwards hicks so inept that their state would shut down without the Federal government's inordinate spending. I mean, your state does get back $1.51 in spending for every $1.00 you pay in taxes. States like my home state of Connecticut pick up the tab. http://www.taxfoundation.org/taxdata/show/266.html

Please don't give these bigoted neighbors of mine more ammunition! Stop mooching off of the rest of us, and stop trying to stifle freedom of speech. You're spitting on our soldiers in Iraq when you try to stifle free speech, Mr Couch. I know you support the troops, right?
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78) 1st Amendment [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
This is an assault on our freedom of speech. This would only benefit politicians and big businesses looking to crucify people if they say anything bad against them. I should be able to anonymously post my opinion about politics or complaints about my job or another company's poor products without fear of being fired or sued, as long as it is not liablous or slanderous.
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79) Don't touch my internets [by Anonymous Citizen on March 10, 2008]
The irony of having my default user name on this site be "Anonymous Citizen" is kind of funny.

This bill will further reduce our First Amendment right in a time where we need it the most.
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80) quit taking awayour rights [by jean50 on March 10, 2008]
Folks
Our rights are slowing dissolving
They are slowing implementing such
I tell everyone to read the book
"1984"
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81) this is... stupid [by newmark on March 6, 2008]
This is another contender for the dumbest bill of 2008, right with HB715 and a few others.

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82) You're serious? [by Anonymous Citizen on March 6, 2008]
Only a true Nazi would think of some dumb crap like this.
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83) ridiculous! [by Anonymous Citizen on March 6, 2008]
blasphemy to free speech that this country, and state were founded on
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84) Thin skinned [by Anonymous Citizen on March 5, 2008]
Be proud of this site. It is the free exchange of ideas here that motivate this type of unconstitutional legislation. The elected don't like being critized. They want to squelch the exchange of free ideas by creating fear of retribution.
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85) HB 775 [by Anonymous Citizen on March 5, 2008]
It sure figures that the Legislator pushing this bill is a Republican. He is just like the Republicans in Washington who are working assiduously to trash our Constitutional rights. Someone should make this Representative Couch sit down and read the Constitution that he has sworn to uphold and defend. One wonders if this "esteemed" Republican Legislator has ever heard of our Founding Fathers.
"I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." -----James Madison

Bernie Kunkel
Walton, KY
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86) republicans fault [by downpat on May 13, 2008]
Trust me Bernie, the dems have plenty of reps eroding away at our rights.....perhaps you could take a long look at the process without affiliation to either party. After all ---Independence is what made this Country great to begin with. I currently hail as an independent due to the political galvinization imposed on our process by our congress not uniting due to party affiliation. Should we not be united for the common good, for the betterment of the wonderful country we all are blessed to live in?
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87) This bill is unconstitutional [by ericjames on March 5, 2008]
Freedom of assembly does not require disclosure of an identity.
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88) Erosion [by rossh on March 5, 2008]
The erosion of personal liberties continues ever so quietly ... The government is here to protect us.
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89) Rep. Couch you need to think a little. [by Anonymous Citizen on June 20, 2008]
The problem is being popular is the only requirement for being a legislator. You don't have to be smart or well-informed. So we get stupid crap like this. And all of it only serves to increase the size of government and strip citizens of freedom.

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90) Government protect us? [by downpat on May 13, 2008]
Don't bet on it. Lets remember that the Government that you are depending on to protect you is made up of attorneys. Lawyers. Need I say more? Got mesothelioma? Let me know so I can get rich from your suffering........SHEESH
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