http://www.secretservice.gov/faq.shtml#protect
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Who is the Secret Service authorized to protect?
By law, the Secret Service is authorized to protect the President, Vice President, President-elect, Vice President-elect, and their immediate family members; former Presidents and their spouses; minor children of a former President until the age of 16; major Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, and within 120 days of the general election, their spouses; visiting foreign heads of government or heads of state; and others if authorized by the President. An individual who receives Secret Service protection is referred to as a "protectee." In 1997, Congressional legislation became effective limiting Secret Service protection to former Presidents for a period of not more than 10 years from the date the President leaves office. (Public Law 103-329)
How does the Secret Service "protect" the President?
The Secret Service strives to maintain a safe environment for the President and other protectees. To accomplish this task, the Secret Service calls upon other federal, state and local agencies to assist on a daily basis. For example, when the President is at the White House, the Secret Service Uniformed Division, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the U.S. Park Police patrol the streets and parks nearby. The Secret Service Technical Security Division regularly consults with experts from other agencies. The military supports the Secret Service through the use of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and communications resources. When the President travels, an advance team of Secret Service agents works with the host city and state law enforcement and public safety officials to jointly establish the security measures needed to protect him.
How can I report a threat towards a protectee?
Contact your nearest USSS field office (listed in the "Emergency Numbers" section in the front of most phone books.
The Secret Service does not desire or solicit information pertaining to individuals or groups expressing legitimate criticism of, or political opposition to, the policies and decisions of the government of government officials. However, we are interested in legitimate information relating to threats, plans or attempts by individuals, groups or organizations to harm USSS protectees.
What types of crimes does the Secret Service investigate?
The Secret Service has primary jurisdiction to investigate threats against Secret Service protectees; counterfeiting of U.S. currency or other U.S. Government obligations; forgery or theft of U.S. Treasury checks, bonds or other securities; credit card fraud; telecommunications fraud; computer fraud; identify fraud; and certain other crimes affecting federally insured financial institutions.
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It is not President Bush's rule. It is the job of the Secret Service to investigate VALID threats and has been for some time.
After hearing 21 years of briefings on the subject while in the USAF, I know for a fact that US military personel are bound by the UCMJ to report all treats.
I am sure Halx would love it if the Secret Service knocked on his door and confiscated his server so they could investigate a "suspicious post". What great information (and pics) might be lost.
Link
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1528 Threats Against the President and Successors to the Presidency; Against Former Presidents; and Certain Other Secret Service Protectees
Several decisions have cast light on the scope of 18 U.S.C. § 871 and the requisite intent which must be proved in prosecutions thereunder. Proof that threatening words were uttered in a context such that a reasonable person would interpret them as mere political hyperbole, idle talk, or jest indicates that the words do not constitute a threat within the scope of the statute. However, it is the view of the Department that an actual intent to carry out a threat is not a requisite to violation of the statute.
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See bold statement.
IMO - I cannot ever foresee a reason for ANY citizen of the US to threaten the President of the United States. It is irresponsible and immature. I believe that a person can voice their opinions without threatening the president and still be taken seriously based on the content of their message.