Simmering below the surface, awaiting Democrat control of the White House and Congress is a return to the so-called “Fairness Doctrine.” The Fairness Doctrine was implemented in 1949. For a fairly good history of it, go here.
Reagan eliminated it. Congress tried to bring it back two more times, but Reagan and Bush 41 both vetoed it.
For an explanation as to why the Democrats want a return the Fairness Doctrine, one need only read RFK Jr.’s Remarks concerning the Doctrine to understand why they want to return to those halcyon days of the Fairness Doctrine.
He is angriest at the media, saying that nowadays it caters to "the reptilian corner of our brains" with endless stories on Michael Jackson and the Duke lacrosse team. He doesn't mention occasional media firestorms burning his family.
"TV viewers know more about Brad and Angelina than global warming," he lamented.
He traces the problem to the Reagan-era repeal of the Fairness Doctrine, which required broadcasters to report on issues of public importance and mandated airtime to both sides.
"You couldn't have 'Fox News' under the Fairness Doctrine," Kennedy argued. "You couldn't have Rush Limbaugh and the other right-wing mouths bombarding us all day long."
That last paragraph says it all. He really doesn’t care whether you hear about Michael Jackson or Brad and Angelina. We would hear about them regardless of the Fairness Doctrine.
Mr. Kennedy, the good little lefty that he is, wants to stifle free speech and bring back the Fairness Doctrine. They would use it to shut down media outlets and programs that went against the party line. Zieg Heil!
A lot of people credit the elimination of the draconian Fairness doctrine with the Republican Party’s ability to regain power after four decades.
There is nothing fair about the fairness doctrine. The party in control of the Presidency and the Congress would decide for you what is fair. I don’t want ANY political party having that kind of power. With satellite radio and Cable TV, there is no shortage of venues for any political viewpoint.
It would seem on the surface that the doctrine would affect such outlets as the very Marxist, Pacifica Network and the asinine and corrupt Air America. Don’t bet on it. Note carefully that Mr. Kennedy mentioned specifically Fox News and conservative talkers. The idea is to silence the right, not the left.
Don’t say you weren’t warned.
Hat Tip: Orbusmax for the tip and Wizbang for the trackback.
VW
If you delete that spam I'm going to report you to the government for not showing both sides of the..issue..which is...I'm not sure but spam has rights! Fairness Doctrine dammit!.
Seriously this shit scares me. I think violent thoughts when someone can so openly attempt to crush my freedom of speech.
Posted by: Just another republican | Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 04:39
Make the stupid people be quiet! Oh, sorry! That wouldn't be fair - Just had a momentary loss of fairness.
Reminds me of the playground bully who tries to change the rules after he gets beat in Dodgeball.
Posted by: yankeemom | Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 20:16