Well, that didn't take long at all

I predicted, back at the "100 Day Extravaganza" mark, that dissent would soon be crushed. Here's the original post.

It turns out I was right. From the White House Blog (here) . . . .

"First, we will expand the restriction on oral communications to cover all persons, not just federally registered lobbyists. For the first time, we will reach contacts not only by registered lobbyists but also by unregistered ones, as well as anyone else exerting influence on the process. We concluded this was necessary under the unique circumstances of the stimulus program."

Never mind that pesky First Amendment. No, those who criticize the Recovery Act must be silenced. Can't have people sowing seeds of dissent.

Unfortunately, the prize for getting this right will likely be a visit from the Obama Administration with a pair of handcuffs.