Reynolds is co-sponsoring a bill that provides federal dollars to monitor sites and help public schools and Libraries block social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace.From the D&C

The bill proposes to give public schools and libraries federal funding to block children’s access to social networking Web sites such as MySpace.com or chat rooms unless children have a parent’s permission or are under direct adult supervision, said Reynolds, R-Clarence, Erie County.

The proposed legislation would also create a Web site to inform parents, educators and students about the potential dangers of social networking sites and chat rooms; and would require the Federal Trade Commission to issue consumer alerts online regarding Web sites that are considered dangerous or have suspicious activity, he said.

Remember when Mark Foley was chasing after the under age Pages? Mark Foley was IM ing Pages, the Republican House leadership knew about it up to a year prior? Money exchanging between Reynolds and Foley, and Foley being encouraged to run again for his House seat by - insert drum roll - Tom Reynolds.

Well, Tom is trying to make amends. See, now that he is in the minority he actually needs to look like he is serving the people. What better way that with a bill to restrict child predators. Don’t get me wrong - there is no room in my world for people who prey on kids. Period.

Still it is a bit ironic that out comes Tom, the one who looked the other way when Mark Foley was a known quantity, encouraged him to run and when it blew up in his face surrounded himself with kids as a human shield

But let’s look at the Bill again.

Block sites at Public school or Library

the FTC will create a Web Site to inform parents of the dangers

the FTC will monitor suspicious sites.

Excellent - Federal dollars to block certain sites. Yo Tom, call up the Brighton Central School district and figure out how they already block social sites such as MySpace and Facebook. It doesn’t sound like rocket science. These domains can easily be blocked.

Then there is the proposed FTC website to warn parents of the dangers of social networking sites. It is amazing that me that parents need a website to warn them of the dangers of social networking websites. Start with this cut and paste from the FBI web site.

What can you do to keep your children safe, especially if they are visiting networking sites? Most importantly, be aware and involved:

* Monitor your children’s use of the Internet; keep your Internet computer in an open, common room of the house.
* Tell your kids why it’s so important not to disclose personal information online.
* Check your kids’ profiles and what they post online.
* Read and follow the safety tips provided on the sites.
* Report inappropriate activity to the website—or law enforcement — immediately.

Great - Create a Website of suspicious sites. Who defines them? How often is it updated?

How about this. Use those federal dollars to buy a few hours of parental time so the parents don’t feel obligated to work multiple jobs and drive the kids to soccer practice. Let the parents actually connect with the kids.

Better yet - a parental training program where non-tech savvy parents can actually learn how to use the Internet, the slang, the different networking groups.

Like Fruit Cake - I suppose it is the thought that counts.