For those of you who don’t already know, Jem is a blogger/programmer/breast feeding activist/a lot of other stuff.

I already stalk her on twitter and subscribe to her blog.  Lately, some big issue came up about breast feeding in public.  I for one support a mother’s decision to feed their child when the child is hungry, whether it be breast feeding, bottle, injections, or whatever.  Breast feeding in public is probably the most loving thing you could do for your child, so take a picture and show it too them when he or she is older because when your child grows up, they’ll probably appreciate it.

In the argument, someone was arguing that Jem was a bully.  What a shocker.  Jem has her “pants” award (last one given out in January 2009)…  She rants and raves about everything, but she does it in a way that grabs you and hooks you into reading.  She’s actually quite entertaining, but back on topic!

People kept bringing up “Freedom of Speech” and “Cyber Bullying.”

Jem is in the UK, and those “targeted” were in the USA.  I’m not too sure about UK laws, but there’s not a lot of Federal laws in relation to cyber bullying (at the moment).  Currently, if Jem threatened to kill, kidnap, or injure someone, then she’d be in violation of USA Federal laws.  If she were to commit slander or libel on someone, then she would also be in violation of the laws (and I think the UK has a similar law about online content and Internet Service Providers about it?).

In terms of harassment online, several states have laws against it (not too sure how that plays out internationally), but there is currently a bill trying to become a law.  H.R. 1966 makes it if you harass or intimidate someone online, then you can face some jail time or a fine.  I understand the point of the law, but I personally think it’s too vague as it is.  An online argument would get you fined or jailed, but a verbal argument wouldn’t?

So Jem currently has nothing to really worry about.

Some of the other people have something to worry about.  Freedom of Speech does not cover inciting riots or acts of violence.  So be careful, because this could be considered illegal soon.

The target (not jemjabella above) of the alleged attack was complaining about how she would respond and keep getting more and more replies.  Lesson 1 in keeping web site visitors and traffic, maintain good communication.  If you want people to shut up, don’t reply.  If you want attention and conversation, keep on replying and writing about it.  Jem provides a wonderful example of this.  Jem has written 4 blogs posts around the topic of breast feeding and she has over 116 comments on those blog posts.  That’s good communication.  Jem is my hero.

Don’t start thinking I condone or encourage cyber bullying, I don’t.  Jem is defending her right to breast feed her child in public to someone who publicly voiced their opinion on the issue.  (Facebook and Twitter are public by the way, I mean, if the privacy settings let it be seen).  If you’re going to voice your opinion, prepare for the backlash from the masses.  Hope for the best, expect the worst.

So who do I think was right in this whole argument thing?  No one really.  I just think it’s something fun and interesting to read.  If you can’t handle the arguments or criticism, then turn off the computer.

As for breast feeding in public, go for it.  Don’t flaunt your stuff, but if the baby needs food, the baby needs food.

In other news, my mom raised twins, and I know she breast fed them.  I’m wondering how that worked out in public when both were hungry…