PASS THE POPCORN.

A few days ago, the behavior of the Democrats on the "weaponization of government" investigation amused.  "That Democratic members of the House committee investigating what the majority call "weaponization of government" seemed more interested in questioning the motives of the people reporting on what sure looked like social media companies cooperating with Official Washington than in, oh, proposing less lurid explanations and offering witnesses the chance to evaluate those, does nothing to dissuade people who are disposed to think Democrats have been lying to, and scolding, Normals for political gain, from thinking differently."

Common Dreams contributor Kenny Stancil is from the class of people that argues with, but mostly votes for Democrats, and he's arguing here.  "Anyone who cares about the free press should be concerned by the FTC's demand that Twitter identify journalists who have received information that might embarrass the administration."  In the manner of self-styled progressives everywhere, though, he thinks solely in terms of legislation.

"The FTC," said [Freedom of the Press Foundation spokesman Seth] Stern, "should not have to violate the privacy of journalists to protect the privacy of Twitter users."

"It's especially disturbing," he continued, "that the demand could enable future efforts to obtain the journalists' newsgathering materials."

The FTC's actions underscore why Americans of all political persuasions "should support passing the PRESS Act," Stern added. "It's the only way to ensure that all administrations, and all government agencies, are prohibited from surveilling or retaliating against journalists."

I don't know, here we are again with shield laws and enemies lists, only from a different part of the government. Isn't the plain language of the First Amendment sufficient?