Paying Down The Debt

We're on notice. No FaceBook postings, no Twitter updates of election results, come May 2. Seriously, better not. Elections Canada has warned us. Yes, there is a law, a hoary old one predating the birth of most people living in Canada today. And it's still valid, never having been reconsidered in light of trends and current electronic social networks and news sites.

The Internet has altered the world we live in in far more ways than could ever have been imagined a decade ago. It inspires people, through all the opportunities available to connect, to communicate, to trade information and hasten events, to encourage inclusion. Why it has been seen to be responsible for political-social revolutions turning on a dime.

No newspapers, radio stations, television networks, organized institutional news media may, under Canada's election law transmit electoral results across time zones. When the last of Canada's ballots have been cast in British Columbia, then and only then may radio and television and print media publish electoral results.

Well, that's all right; they can be regulated and they all recognize the law and abide by it. But individuals posting updates on their Twitter or FaceBook accounts? There aren't enough agents of the law to prosecute, let alone persecute people who flout this antiquated and ridiculous law.

Imagine, fining individuals $25,000 a pop for their illegal indiscretion. Government would be able to pay down the debt in short order.