"...Political bloggers would be forced to register as lobbyists--or face up to 10 years in prison."

CNET News.com--

In an attempt to rewrite federal lobbying laws after the criminal trial of David Safavian, a former Bush administration official accused of lying about his involvement with high-powered lobbyists Jack Abramoff .--

Much of the bill's wording is obtuse. But one section says that certain political bloggers who make or spend $25,000 per quarter and who encourage readers to contact their elected representatives would be forced to register as lobbyists--or face up to 10 years in prison.

The controversial requirement lies in section 220 of the massive bill, which supporters of the legislation say they intend to curb the practice of lobbyists setting up "Astroturf" groups.

We have concluded that this would certainly include bloggers," said Mark Fitzgibbons from American Target Advertising, which provides services to mostly conservative organizations. Fitzgibbons, who runs the GrassrootsFreedom.com advocacy site that opposes Section 220, warned that the legislation "has no regard for the media being used" and includes the Internet.
"... Attempt to regulate communications to the general public made by those who do not have Washington lobbyists, however, shift the blame away from the real culprit within Congress and Washington.

Grassroots lobbying is defined as persons who spends or receives at least $25,000 over any three-month period to encourage the general public to communicate their own views on issues to federal officials.
it is no secret that there are those in government who wish to stifle free-speech from bloggers and talk shows. Although publicly stated to the contrary, ideally the government wishes the public to be uninformed and uninvolved in my opinion.
hat tip to Daniel for bringing this to our attention--