A new wave of anti-China legislation is sweeping across US state legislatures, with critics warning that the bills could have a chilling effect on free speech and stifle ordinary citizens. Critics say that these laws, which aim to curb Chinese influence in America, bear the hallmarks of modern-day McCarthyism.
State-level foreign influence registries are being passed with alarming speed, requiring businesses, universities, and humanitarian organizations to register as foreign agents if they conduct activities that involve advocacy on behalf of a foreign principal. The bills have expansive requirements, covering not only government officials but also private citizens who may unknowingly support Chinese-owned companies or engage in economic transactions.
The passage of these laws is largely driven by dark-money organizations, including State Shield and State Armor, which have opaque funding streams and no clear ties to corporate interests. These groups are testifying in favor of the legislation at statehouses across the country, often citing unfounded fears about Chinese espionage and influence.
Critics argue that these laws are not only an overreach but also create a chilling effect on citizens' rights, particularly for those with ties to foreign-owned companies or organizations. The bills could bankrupt small businesses or non-profits due to steep penalties, ranging from $50,000 to deportation for non-citizens.
Some have drawn comparisons between the current McCarthy-esque atmosphere and the infamous Red Scare of the 1950s, during which suspected communists were blacklisted and persecuted. Experts warn that these laws could lead to a culture of fear and intolerance, where citizens are wary of engaging in dissenting views or discussing sensitive topics for fear of being labeled as "un-American."
As the anti-China fervor continues to intensify, lawmakers are increasingly adopting hawkish stances, with some even invoking national security directives to justify their actions. This has raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the silencing of opposing viewpoints.
One prominent critic, Miles Taylor, a former chief of staff for the Department of Homeland Security, has stated that these laws "would be like if George W. Bush had said Code Pink was Al Qaeda." Taylor's comments underscore the dangers of conflating legitimate criticism with terrorism or subversion.
The passage of these laws is also being closely watched by organizations promoting conservative ideology, such as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which has published a draft model policy bill that mirrors the Nebraska legislation. ALEC's winter conference will likely consider whether to approve the legislation in December, potentially emboldening red states to follow suit.
As The Intercept continues to cover these developments, it is clear that the stakes are high and the consequences could be far-reaching.
State-level foreign influence registries are being passed with alarming speed, requiring businesses, universities, and humanitarian organizations to register as foreign agents if they conduct activities that involve advocacy on behalf of a foreign principal. The bills have expansive requirements, covering not only government officials but also private citizens who may unknowingly support Chinese-owned companies or engage in economic transactions.
The passage of these laws is largely driven by dark-money organizations, including State Shield and State Armor, which have opaque funding streams and no clear ties to corporate interests. These groups are testifying in favor of the legislation at statehouses across the country, often citing unfounded fears about Chinese espionage and influence.
Critics argue that these laws are not only an overreach but also create a chilling effect on citizens' rights, particularly for those with ties to foreign-owned companies or organizations. The bills could bankrupt small businesses or non-profits due to steep penalties, ranging from $50,000 to deportation for non-citizens.
Some have drawn comparisons between the current McCarthy-esque atmosphere and the infamous Red Scare of the 1950s, during which suspected communists were blacklisted and persecuted. Experts warn that these laws could lead to a culture of fear and intolerance, where citizens are wary of engaging in dissenting views or discussing sensitive topics for fear of being labeled as "un-American."
As the anti-China fervor continues to intensify, lawmakers are increasingly adopting hawkish stances, with some even invoking national security directives to justify their actions. This has raised concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the silencing of opposing viewpoints.
One prominent critic, Miles Taylor, a former chief of staff for the Department of Homeland Security, has stated that these laws "would be like if George W. Bush had said Code Pink was Al Qaeda." Taylor's comments underscore the dangers of conflating legitimate criticism with terrorism or subversion.
The passage of these laws is also being closely watched by organizations promoting conservative ideology, such as the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which has published a draft model policy bill that mirrors the Nebraska legislation. ALEC's winter conference will likely consider whether to approve the legislation in December, potentially emboldening red states to follow suit.
As The Intercept continues to cover these developments, it is clear that the stakes are high and the consequences could be far-reaching.
these new laws being passed across US state legislatures feel like a bad 80s movie - everyone's running around, accusing each other of espionage, and threatening to ruin lives over it 
it's just so... McCarthy-esque. the fact that dark-money groups are driving this agenda only adds to the whole farce 
meanwhile, we're forgetting about actual security threats and focusing on phantom fears of foreign influence 
These anti-China laws are getting out of hand... I mean, I get that some people have concerns about Chinese influence in America, but does it really warrant silencing anyone who criticizes their stance? 
And what about the impact on small businesses and non-profits? It's just gonna create more problems than it solves. 
I'm all for national security, but we gotta balance that with our civil liberties, you know? 
they're basically saying if you work with a Chinese company or have a foreign sponsor you gotta register as a spy 
they should be focusing on real issues like income inequality & healthcare instead of making assumptions about everyone who works with a foreign company 
. It's like, what's next? Are they gonna start regulating people's conversations online too? 
It's like, what if this is all just a smokescreen to distract us from real issues? 
It's like, we need to protect the vulnerable, not just throw more restrictions at them.
.
. These laws could have serious unintended consequences, like stifling free speech and small businesses being driven out due to steep penalties 
. The comparison to McCarthyism is way too close for comfort 
.
. We need to be careful about who we're trusting to make decisions about foreign influence and national security 
. It feels like the pendulum is swinging too far in one direction, and I'm not sure where we'll end up 
.
.
.
. We gotta keep our civil liberties intact and encourage open discussion and debate 
it's like they're trying to create a culture of fear and mistrust where people won't even dare to express their opinions 
especially when it comes to foreign-owned companies or organizations, these laws are just targeting innocent people for the sake of politics 
it's like they're trying to recreate the Red Scare of the 50s, but without the context or nuance 
and critics are saying its a huge overreach 
. if ppl start labeling dissenting views as "terrorism" or "subversion", thats a problem 
It's not like we don't have enough to deal with already... and what's next? Registering everyone as foreign agents because they shop at stores that sell Chinese products? 
Give me a break.
I mean, who wouldn't trust a group with an opaque funding stream and no clear ties to corporate interests? 
Please. Let's not forget that Red Scare of the 50s was basically a total disaster. 
. We need to be careful not to silence dissenting voices or stifle free speech, even if it's uncomfortable for some people 
this anti-China legislation stuff is getting out of hand 
? It sounds like they're trying to create some kind of fear where people are too afraid to speak up 
. And the comparisons to McCarthyism and the Red Scare are spot on 
this is some serious overreach of power 
. The last thing we need is more laws that stifle free speech and silence dissenting views.
i feel bad 4 the small biz & non-profits that could get bankrupted over this. it's like george w bush said code pink was al qaeda lol what even is that?! 
?