New Wiki Tax

The U.S. Senate announced today that a new law (deamed Feingold-Obama) will be passed to tax Wikipedia and other collaborative sites. Although traditionally enjoying a non-profit status, the Federal government felt that a redefinition of prolific non-profits was necessary.

Russell Feingold (D-WI) comments on the need to control free initiative,"Wikipedia is a clear example of what happens when consensual adults operate without paternal supervision. You have people getting their feelings hurt and angry discussions occurring. There can be no free speech without fair speech. Wikipedia can really be viewed as a black market of value exchange. In the olden days, you would buy an Encyclopedia set, and the Federal, State, and local governments would collect a sales tax or corporate tax. These sales created jobs. Encyclopedia makers are being laid off in droves..."

When asked if he thought the incalculable benefit of Wikipedia might offset the job loss of Encyclopedia makers, the Senator replied, "It's not likely. Companies like Britannica provided good jobs for researchers, scientists and the like. I understand that most of the comments on Wikipedia are made by high school dropouts and single moms. And we have yet to address the exploitation of those who contribute to the Wiki with no pay..."

When asked if this might violate free speech rights the Senator replied, "Well first of all, there can be no free speech unless there is fair speech as I've said. Secondly, as Obama has pointed out eloquently regarding our 2nd amendment rights, these must be subjugated by the special interests of the community, though I can't express it quite like he can. Encyclopedia companies are a part of our community, and I see no explicit right to 'blog' or 'wiki' in the Constitution."

In other news, the Barack Obama Campaign decided to rid itself of a $100,000 contribution from Britannica stating that it was a "bone-headed" mistake to accept the money given the current legislation he is working on. The money will be donated to a "Chicago non-profit charity that doesn't destroy jobs."