Posted on 01/07/2009 8:14:18 PM PST by rabscuttle385
Republicans introduced a bill Wednesday that would bar Congress, President-elect Barack Obama and federal media regulators from bringing back the Fairness Doctrine, which they said would all but eliminate the talk-radio industry.
The doctrine, a 1949 requirement that broadcasters present opposing points of view on political issues, was scrapped in 1987 after the Federal Communications Commission said it restricted journalistic freedom. But a new administration with the power to appoint members of the FCC, along with Democratic gains in both chambers on Capitol Hill, has renewed fears among Republicans that the doctrine could be revived.
"Freedom of speech is under attack in this country," said Sen. Jim DeMint, South Carolina Republican and co-sponsor of the Broadcaster Freedom Act. "I am just committing today to use every rule, every tactic that we have at our disposal to keep the Fairness Doctrine from moving in Congress or to overrule it if it is implemented by the FCC."
Many credit the rise of talk radio to the demise of the Fairness Doctrine, which also governed television broadcasters. If it were to be reimposed, sponsors of the bill said the entire medium would be threatened.
"Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine today would amount to government control over political views expressed on the airwaves," said Rep. Mike Pence, Indiana Republican and a former broadcaster.
Joining Mr. Pence and Mr. DeMint were Sen. James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma and Rep. Greg Walden of Oregon.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
Lets hope.
I’m going to have to say that I don’t buy into that. Yes, some bills may have come and been stricken down by the Dem minority in the Senate, but we did not do what we could have. If the Democrats were going to go that route, Bush should have ruled by Executive Order and forced them to over-ride his governance. He didn’t have to do it on everything. He could have done it a couple of times to put the Democrats on notice that he was serious. At that point they would have had to fall back in line or else.
The Democrats play hardball. We go out there in a sun dress with a beach ball. It’s embarrassing.
There is no senate bill introduced at this time to revive the fairness doctrine. So what happens if the dims amend the hell out of the bill to in effect revive the fairness doctrine in a bill designed to do just the opposite originally. The get a few RINO’s to join in the spirit of bypartasianship..and next thing you know viola you have a de facto fairness doctrine in a bill that was supposed to get in front of the curve..
This one needs upfront opposition if a bill is introduced not putting up a bill before nothing has happened. If the GOP was still in control fine, but they ain't folks..
Thank you, good for them, I am so glad they are doing this.
how soon?
I’m a hardcore Conservative Rep. (I’m somewhere to the right of Goldwater, Sr.) from the People’s Socialist Republic of Portland, and I have met Walden at several GOP functions in the state - including Dorchester Conference and the Lincoln’s Day Event.
He is one of a handful of officeholders on the entire west coast who qualify as both Republican and a legit Conservative. He is a decent guy who actually has “a pair”.
You’re fortunate that he is your congressional rep...you can consider him a congressman, not a “critter” as we so often refer to them.
A.A.C.
I feel the same way about my Congressman, Tom Price. Before redistricting, my Congresscritter was Cynthia McKinney, and she was / is quite the critter.
The Dems controlled the field of play for 6 of the last eight years with a minority by getting out first on issues, defining the debate, and most importantly, establishing ownership of the best word choices. They were able to frame arguments the Republicans hadn’t even gotten around to making in public yet, and use phrases against Republicans that were certainly about to be used against Democrats. Even if their arguments and accusations made no sense, the most valuable trigger words had already been claimed by them, and would have sounded stupid and childish being re-used.
He who sits and waits for the battle to come to him gets his ass kicked.
I have an autographed picture of Barry Goldwater (R-AZ) framed on my wall.
We had a GW hand picked Senate Majority Leader. Senator Don Nickels did not run for his seat, in disgust over this pick, in my opinion.
Im hoping Rep, Aaron Schock will stand up with republicans in congress to hopefully block any attemt at the Fariness Doc coming back. Hes a young guy but has some great ideas
Awwww, Geeez - I don’t know whether to hate you, envy you, or just ask really nicely to be remembered in your will, LOL!
“...and Extremism in defense of Liberty is no vice!”
A.A.C.
I wouldn’t doubt it. Knocking your head against the wall gets old after a while.
The doctrine, a 1949 requirement that broadcasters present opposing points of view on political issues, was scrapped in 1987 after the Federal Communications Commission said it restricted journalistic freedom.
Why would the Dems care about this...even with talk radio, they won a big victory in 2008. This would be politically risky for them. I am so tired of the GOP posturing over non-issues and falling down on the important issues.
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