Posted on 06/07/2010 11:38:02 AM PDT by John Semmens
Michigan State Senator Bruce Patterson (R-Lansing) has introduced legislation that would empower the state government to license and regulate journalists.
Patterson claims the legislation is necessary because “an increasing fragmentation of the sources of information is confusing the average person. The legitimate media are being drowned out by an army of amateurs. The Internet has made it affordable for anyone with access to a computer to promulgate his voice. Readers don’t know who they can trust, who to believe.”
Patterson’s bill aims to reduce the difficulty of knowing who to trust by having the state license those authorized to report on the news. “I’m not necessarily saying that those without a license would be shut down,” Patterson said. “But readers have a right to know which sources have been vetted by the state. Think of it as a sort of ‘Good Housekeeping seal of approval.’”
Under the bill, unlicensed amateurs would be subject to penalties if state regulatory officials determine that they have published articles that contain significant “inaccuracies.” “Freedom of speech and the press don’t entail the right to spread lies and untruths,” Patterson contended. “The people have a right to be protected from being misled. As their elected representative I am merely trying to codify this right in the state law.”
(Excerpt) Read more at azconserv1.wordpress.com ...
NOT a good idea.
Another RINO.
Hugo applauds this move.
Obviously, this is true...because this moron got enough votes to get elected.
For example you'd have a Helen Thomas licensed by the state, and she'd be spewing all her antisemitic drivel without even the danger of being fired by her employer over it.
Freepers giving first hand accounts would be instantly discredited by the state licensing authority.
No, this won't work.
BTW, why is this a Republican coming up with this cr*p. Aren't the Democrats smart enough to figure out fascist practice on their own anymore?
Five....so far....
An really bad stupid dumb idea.
20% unemployment here in Michigan and this is all you have to do?
Freedom of Speech?
Six....
Keywords are our friend.
Seven, Eight....
UGH!! I missed the source and it certainly sounded like something our esteemed legislators would want to control.
Conflict of interest based on massive STUPIDITY.
Nine....
Why isn’t this RINO dimwit being expelled from Republican Party PRONTO?
Ten....
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