Well, if you live in California, that may soon be reality. Last week, the legislature in that state passed a bill requiring all new smartphones to include the ability to remotely render them inoperable. Although the measure was introduced as an effort to fight against smartphone theft, the Center for Democracy & Technology warns that this "kill switch" could also be used to disrupt protests.

 

The new law includes a provision that allows the government to shut down cell phone communication with court approval, and an "emergency" exception that allows officials to bypass the courts. During the Arab Spring in the Middle East, we saw how smartphones and social media connected protesters and strengthened a movement. And, the past few weeks in Ferguson, Missouri have shown how social media and cell phone cameras are just as important here in the United States.

 

No government should have the power to limit communications between its citizens, especially not here in the "home of the free." Our Constitution guarantees the right of free speech and free exchange of ideas, and we must say "no" to any kill switch bill that threatens these important rights.

 

-Thom

 

(What do you think? Tell us here.)

 

Tonight on The Big Picture on RT TV at 7pm and 10pm... David DeGraw, The Economics of Revolution (out 9/17) (check your local listings for stations or stream at RT or Free Speech TV, and catch past shows on Youtube)

 

Be sure to check out our new video: CARBON - narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio

 

Big Picture Rumble:
- Kevin Martin, Project 21    
- Sabrina Joy Stevens, Integrity in Education    
- Peter Roff, U.S. News & World Report    

 

Conversations with Great Minds - David DeGraw, The Economics of Revolution (out 9/17)  

  

A friend of mine has a new book out that you may want to know about... Identity Theft Alert: 10 Rules You Must Follow to Protect Yourself from America's #1 Crime by Steve Weisman

       

Friday's Daily Stack 

 

Today was a best-of show for the Labor Day weekend.

Free excerpt, read book for free at Truthout, buy the book!

Monday on The Thom Hartmann Program, 12-3pm ET 

 

Happy Labor Day 2014. Enjoy a best-of show...

 

Hour One: Comcast...an experience with corporate bureaucracy

 

Hour Two: Marching for Medicaid - Mayor Adam O'Neal, Bellhaven, NC

 

Hour Three: Your experiences with corporate bureaucracy

 

And don't forget...Democracy is NOT a spectator sport...it begins with you...

    

Thank you for being part of our ever growing community for News, Debate and Opinion on the Thom Hartmann Program.

 

Click here to subscribe to the Thom Hartmann Newsletter.
 

Sincerely,

Would you like to help give a child with a very troubled background this feeling of peace?

Thom and Louise Hartmann founded the New England Salem Children's Village (NESCV) in New Hampshire in 1979. With states delaying payment for the children they entrust to the village, they need help with cash flow. Can you help? Now on Facebook.

Pre-order The American Revolution of 1800 by Dan Sisson with Thom Hartmann at Amazon or Barnes & Noble now!

Will leak of Sen. McConnell recording hurt him in November?

Vote here!

Pre-order Thom's forthcoming book, Death in the Pines: An Oakley Tyler Novel, at Amazon or Barnes & Noble now!

Buy Thom's newest book now!
Also on Kindle

"Crash of 2016" website

Watch Thom on: - MSNBC's The Cycle
- CNN's Crossfire
- Democracy Now!

Full Show 8/28/14: Mitch McConnell's "47% Moment"?

Thom discusses the secret audio of Sen. Mitch McConnell's plan to screw over the middle class with Attorney and Radio Host Mike Papantonio and whether Obama can still consider himself a progressive with Salon's Thomas Frank. In tonight's "Daily Take" Thom discusses what America would be like under Libertarian rule.

Thom Hartmann on Science & Green News: August 28, 2014

What's Lurking in Your Tuna Sandwich?

Brunch with Bernie - August 28, 2014

Busted...Mitch McConnell Kisses Koch Butt on Tape