Turn in Family and Friends... to the GOP

Are you prepared to inform on your family and friends - will you do as asked and send in their names along with their positions on a number of controversial political issues? This is what Republicans in Michigan are being asked to do by the Michigan Republican Party - and many Republicans themselves are outraged over it.

The Detroit Free Press reports:

The Michigan Republican Party has asked its members to turn over holiday card lists -- complete with their analysis of the political and religious affiliations of their friends and family and their positions on issues such as abortion and gun control. ... The GOP's "Holiday Hits 2003" list will be used to identify voters and possible volunteers for the effort to re-elect President George W. Bush and other Republicans. Party members are beginning to respond with their lists, said Stormo. The e-mail went last week to thousands of state party members.

Now, it is true that political parties have a great interest in identifying potential voters - there is no question about that. But is this really a socially and ethically appropriate way of going about it? How would you feel if someone you knew - family, friend, or coworker - sent in your name, address, and political opinions without your knowledge or consent to a political party which you might not even belong to or vote for?

Maybe you have no reasonable expectation to keep such data perfectly private, but do we want to move to a society where it is accepted that people "inform" on one another in such a fashion? Do you really want to have to wonder if a person you know will "inform" on your political views to the GOP, NOW, the NRA, the NAACP, or any other political organization? How many people will think twice about voicing a political opinion lest it be reported to someone?

Would you feel comfortable sending your Christmas Card list to a political organization, reporting on the political opinions of your family, friends, and coworkers? Evidently, quite a few Michigan Republicans think it's just fine and are sending that information in. You might want to consider whether they have your name and data right now.

Read More:

• Recent Books on Free Speech
• Court Decisions on Free Speech and Censorship