make kids off limits to the press

[scooterbug44]

I was absolutely appalled by the recent US Weekly issue and its treatment of Bristol Palin. (I read the piece on Obama's family so I read the one on Palin to be fair) Even given some of the other crap they print and the credibility level of the magazine I don't know HOW they can't be sued.

There is definitely something sketchy about Palin's last baby/pregnancy, but since Bristol was already pregnant w/ her current baby when it was delivered it's rather obviously not hers - making the scurrilous article, innuendo, and a purported picture of poor Bristol 'looking pregnant' completely unacceptable on so many levels. (BTW if Bristol is "pregnant" in that picture most American women are having twins).

I think we need some laws (or if we have one, enforce it) or regulations or something that make anyone under 18 off limits to the press/paparazzi. We already regulate child labor, I think child press is a good next step!

 

[beachmouse]

Politicians' kids were traditionally off limits to the press for criticism in the absence of a police report until Rush Limbaugh started to pick on a junior high Chelsea Clinton's appearance on the air. After that, the old gentleman's agreement that kids were off limits seemed to fade away.

And you can't have more than the old gentleman's agreement because any sorts of rules would be struck down in like 30 seconds or less because of constitutional issues.

 

[scooterbug44]

I was hoping that be only making it applicable to minors it would be possible somehow.

 

[TooFarTampa]

Lobbyists hired by the NCAA, Hollywood, the TV industry, publishing and the music industry would make sure it never made it committee.

 

[scooterbug44]

I would think the NCAA would be okay with it to keep student athletes from being harassed - at my college any press who wanted to talk to athletes had to go through the press office.

 

[Miss Kitty]

I have suspending my subscripton to US Weekly on my list of things to do. I am part of the problem.

 

[TooFarTampa]

I would think the NCAA would be okay with it to keep student athletes from being harassed - at my college any press who wanted to talk to athletes had to go through the press office.

The NCAA definitely does not want to lose the mystique that surrounds National Signing Day. But you are about one thing -- once the kids step on campus, it actually becomes harder to interview them, whether or not they are over 18.

I have suspending my subscripton to US Weekly on my list of things to do. I am part of the problem.

Me too (I visit perezhilton.com several times a week).

 

[scooterbug44]

I have suspending my subscripton to US Weekly on my list of things to do. I am part of the problem.

Unfortunately I can't "vote w/ my pocketbook" on that one as I have never paid for an issue of US Weekly in my life!

 

[Miss Kitty]

Unfortunately I can't "vote w/ my pocketbook" on that one as I have never paid for an issue of US Weekly in my life!

That's because you are an elitist.

 

[scooterbug44]

Yep!

Obama '08!!!