Obama Restrains Speech: Harbinger?

This announcement has drawn attention. It concerns the "Porkulus" program.

Following OMB’s review, the Administration has decided to make a number of changes to the rules that we think make them even tougher on special interests and more focused on merits-based decision making.

First, we will expand the restriction on oral communications to cover all persons, not just federally registered lobbyists. For the first time, we will reach contacts not only by registered lobbyists but also by unregistered ones, as well as anyone else exerting influence on the process. We concluded this was necessary under the unique circumstances of the stimulus program.

Hmmmmmm.

Second, we will focus the restriction on oral communications to target the scenario where concerns about merit-based decision-making are greatest –after competitive grant applications are submitted and before awards are made.

If, say, ACORN and The Charlie Brown Club both submit grant applications to 'harmonize a community,' the Charlie Brown Club will not be allowed to address ACORN's fitness as a grantee after the applications are submitted? Say that happens in the City of Milwaukee. Will you be able to have an offhand conversation with the Mayor about your concerns about ACORN?

Or, in another venue, as Spencer outlines:

With the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) making an all-out international effort to restrict free speech about Islam, including speech designed to alert non-Muslims to the motives and goals of the global jihad movement, and Obama making conciliatory gestures toward the OIC, it is not at all difficult to look down the path and see the day coming when it will Sharia provisions restricting speech about Islam will be in place in the United States of America, and it will be illegal to speak about the Islamic supremacist agenda...

Very curious announcement.