South Dakota Rep. Mary Glenski (D-Sioux Falls) introduced a bill that would tax free speech in the form of political advertising.

New York Sen. Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn) is planning to introduce legislation making it illegal to be using an iPod, telephone, Blackberry, or any other electronic device when crossing the street.

Texas Rep. Wayne Smith (R-Baytown) wants to fine parents who miss a meeting with their child’s teacher. [Hat Tip to Right Wing Nation.]

New York City Council member Gail Brewer is proposing legislation that would ban “ultrathin” fashion models.

And of course, the root of much evil, one must consider the continuing restriction of free thought on our college campuses:

Official censorship—now renamed speech codes and antiharassment codes—pervades the campuses. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) recently surveyed more than 300 schools, including the top universities and liberal arts colleges, and found that over 68 percent explicitly prohibit speech that the First Amendment would protect if uttered off campus. At 229 schools, FIRE found clear and substantial restriction of speech, while 91 more had policies that one could interpret as restricting speech. Only eight permitted genuine free expression.

Maybe this is a disturbing trend, or maybe I’m just more sensitive these days. It’s still unsettling.