Bolivia's Vice President told Bolivian media he keeps track of citizens who criticize President Evo Morales. "I am always going online, and I am writing down the first and last names of the people who insult him on Facebook and Twitter," Vice President Alvaro Garcia Linera said.
Free speech advocates and opposition leaders have criticized the vice president's remarks and believe they show the government's aim to censor social media. The Morales' Movement for Socialism Party says they hope to pass a law that regulates social networks.
Supporters of the proposed law feel that negative comments about the president plant hatred against the Bolivian government. Opposers recommend that the vice president, instead of taking down names, gets an account and interacts with the people.
Out of Bolivia's population of approximately 10 million, 1.7 million are Facebook users, and the 8.7 million with cell phones have access to social media and the Internet.
Once again, I see a news article where a government is trying to limit the people's freedom of expression and speech. As human beings, each of us has a right to our own personal opinions, and if we care to share them, so be it! Everyone is subject to criticism, especially if you're a political leader. Hoping to pass a law regulating social media will just turn Bolivian citizens against the government.
As one citizen of La Paz, Bolivia, said, "I think people should respect each other, but also these people should respect us." She is absolutely correct; it is the only way things will be accomplished.
Source: http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/25/world/americas/bolivia-social-media/index.html?hpt=wo_mid
We are so fortunate in the United States to have so many freedoms. When hearing stories like these it makes me grateful for our opportunities in the US.
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