Dems block amendment to prevent Fairness Doctrine

[Regis Philbin]

This is what's known as the "Hush Rush" Doctrine. It's the only way the Liberals can compete with him...

http://www.in-forum.com/ap/index.cfm?page=view&id=D8QBVUPG0&forumcomm_check_return

Democrats block amendment to prevent Fairness Doctrine

By FREDERIC J. FROMMER Associated Press Writer
The Associated Press - Friday, July 13, 2007

WASHINGTON

Senate Democrats on Friday blocked an amendment that would have prevented the return of the Fairness Doctrine, a federal rule requiring broadcasters to air opposing views on issues.

Although no legislation has been offered to bring back the regulation, which was scrapped in 1987, South Dakota Sen. John Thune, Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman and other Republicans have been mounting a pre-emptive attack in recent weeks. They argue that a return to the old rule would give the government too much power in regulating content. The House recently passed an amendment banning the rule's return.

When Coleman, R-Minn., tried to bring up his amendment Friday to a defense authorization bill, Sen. Carl Levin, a Michigan Democrat who chairs the Armed Services Committee, objected. Levin's office said he objected because the amendment belonged in the Commerce Committee's jurisdiction, and because it would have taken up time while the Senate was trying to debate Iraq.

The subtext of the debate over the Fairness Doctrine is talk radio's perceived dominance by conservative voices.

[DoubleEdgeSword]

If people are too stupid and/or lazy to find opposing views, they get what they deserve. Now, more than ever, there exist myriad media which express all kinds of views. If someone decides to listen exclusively to say, Rush Limbaugh-esq drivel, that's his choice, and his loss. Government doesn't need to regulate in this area.

Sorry to disrupt your cookie-cutter, stereotypical view of "liberals," Regis.

[oxymoron]

Terribly distorted article. The truth is:

1. Democrats are not trying to bring the Fairness doctrine back.

2. There is no need for an amendment to block bringing back the fairness doctrine. Why? Because it is not being brought back. This is wholly a political issue.

3. This amendment doesn't belong in an Iraq bill. All that Levin did was say that it belongs in the Commerce committee. Which it does.

This is naked politics. It is a non-issue. All the Republicans are trying to do is inflame their base. They are claiming Democrats are trying to do something that the Democrats have no intent to do.

More attack politics. Harmful to our nation.

Regardless of one's political ideology, I have no respect for people who post this kind of drivel. They are the problem with our politics. Not well-meaning people of either political stripe.

[SparkleHugs]

More attack politics. Harmful to our nation.

Regardless of one's political ideology, I have no respect for people who post this kind of drivel. They are the problem with our politics. Not well-meaning people of either political stripe.

Amen!