Hot Air readers are freaking out over this post by Ed Morrissey, claiming that the Obama administration is “silencing criticism” of the stimulus bill and violating America’s First Amendment rights: White House: We’ll cut off criticism of Porkulus.

Here’s the post at the White House website on this issue: Update on Recovery Act Lobbying Rules: New Limits on Special Interest Influence.

The facts:

This restriction applies to people who are commenting on stimulus claims. They’re not allowed to communicate with government representatives responsible for a particular claim unless they put it in writing, after the claim is filed but before the money is awarded. This is obviously intended to prevent corruption, and make sure that any claims for stimulus money are completely above board. The purpose is to stop unscrupulous people from promising graft or bribes in an oral, off the record communication.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with this. It’s a responsible move, to prevent abuse of stimulus funds.

Can we please stop hyperventilating now?

UPDATE at 5/30/09 8:24:19 pm:

Craziest blog post yet on this non-issue: Pamela “Atlas Shrieks” Geller is calling for an “insurrrection.” [sic]

Is America going to take this laying down. This is coup.Smooth, slick and Obamafied but America is most certainly underattack from within. We need an insurrrection. We must fight this, the pussified Republicans are stuck in some impotent inertia. We need Washington! Jefferson! Paine! Calling all Americans!