From “Fairness Doctrine Makes No Sense in Today’s World“:
Whether it’s the situation in Iraq, talking about the economy, or the culture, conservatives and like-minded people are putting up a fight on TV, radio and alternative forms of media, and challenging what Democrats and some in the mainstream media would like to set as conventional wisdom. So - big surprise - Democrats are crying foul and are literally trying to change the rules. The latest example of this is Democrat attempts to pull the Fairness Doctrine out of the dustbin of history.
The Fairness Doctrine is an artifact from the days when there were only a handful of television channels and radio stations on our dials. Then, there might have been something to the fear that somebody might get control of all the media outlets in an area — so equal time rules were put in place…
The real issue here is not what you “can” see or hear — which is what the Fairness Doctrine was about originally. It’s what you’re “choosing” to see or hear…
Now congressional leaders say they want to “level the playing field” there too - meaning they want to diminish the importance of conservative talk radio. In other words, they don’t trust the results of freedom and the marketplace. Why am I not surprised?
Its interesting that the biggest proponents of free speech on the Democrat’s side of the aisle are trying to silence it. Now they’re trying to use the government to do it. Amazing.
They cry “Freedom of Speech” everytime they open their mouths. But they cry “Control the Speech” when it is contrary to their propaganda. How is this any different than the Tiny Terrorist Of Tehran that’s shutting down a radio station because they were saying things he didn’t like?
They don’t care for our Constitution:
- They don’t want a Capitalist society - they’d rather distribute our wealth.
- They don’t want free speech - they want to control what is said (except for their own words).
- They don’t want us to bear arms - they want to micromanage the only people that do (our military).
The Fairness Doctrine is an ugly combination of censorship and propaganda by the Leftists. Fred Thompson sees it for what it is, and he understand how bad this legislation would be.
Does anyone really believe that the FCC bureaucrats can determine what is “fair” or enforce it? Their arbitrary enforcement of the fairness doctrine will diminish any kind of genuine debate - exactly what the Democrats are wanting.
If the fairness standard is reinstituted, the result will not be easier access for controversial views. It will instead be self-censorship, as stations seek to avoid requirements that they broadcast specific opposing views. With the wide diversity of views available today in the expanding broadcast system, there is a simple solution for any family seeking an alternative viewpoint or for any lawmaker irritated by a pugnacious talk-show host. Turn the dial. Empower the people to make their own decisions, not have the government do it for them as they do in Socialism.
Fairness Doctrine, Freedom of Speech, Fred Thompson
