Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2000 16:22:33 -0400 (EDT)
Message-Id: <200006262022.QAA06557@mattababy.mit.edu>
From: belmonte@mit.edu (Matthew Belmonte)
To: senator@kennedy.senate.gov
Subject: oppose the McCain amendment to Labor/HHS appropriations bill

Dear Senator Kennedy

I'm writing to urge your opposition to the McCain Internet filtering amendment
to the Labor and HHS appropriations bill.  This amendment would mandate the
installation of Internet filtering software in all public schools and
libraries.  Such filtering software depends on crude, keyword-based algorithms
which often block even serious discourse on controversial topics.

Perhaps even more than this First Amendment issue, though, the McCain amendment
is a question of federalism.  McCain's proposal interferes with localities'
ability to choose the policy that will work best within their own local
institutions.

For both of these reasons, the McCain amendment should be rejected.  I hope
that I can count on your vote against this proposal when it comes to the
Senate floor.