Friday Rant Twin Spin: Democratic Senators and the Fairness Doctrine

Liberal ideas, ideals and pet causes can rarely win in the arena of ideas or in the free marketplace. The examples are everywhere. Most "green industries," "alternative energy" sources, National Endowment for the Arts-type crap, NPR, public television - none of it would exist in a world without big government liberalism and their subsidies and ear-marks forcing it upon an otherwise unwilling public.  After all, Democrats are only "pro-choice" when it comes to killing unborn babies.

Well, another example of this is something that I think we're all going to have to be on guard for over the next year or so - something called, "The Fairness Doctrine."  You see, in the last 20 years, few things have failed more miserably than liberal talk radio.  Another liberal talk radio station closed just this week.  Basically, the market has spoken - and in a loud, clear voice - liberal talk radio has been given the boot.

But this doesn't stop Democrats.  Their idea is the "Fairness Doctrine."  In a nutshell, this would force radio stations to grant equal time to "both sides" of the aisle.  So, if Rush Limbaugh is on three hours a day, that same station would have to grant equal time to an opposing view - regardless of what the listeners actually want.  This would essentially turn talk radio - most of AM radio, actually, irrelevant because most stations would rather put on something "uncontroversial" than have to deal with bureaucrats and liberals over what equals "both sides."  This isn't a theory - there once was a fairness doctrine - and this is exactly what happened.

But as you can probably tell, it has nothing to do with equal time or "fairness."  It's all about removing the voice of opposition, silencing critics and, in doing so, limiting free speech.

Here's the back-and-forth between liberal talk radio host Bill Press and Senator Debbie Stabenow.  You can hear the audio here:

BILL PRESS: Yeah, I mean, look: They have a right to say that. They’ve got a right to express that. But, they should not be the only voices heard. So, is it time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine?

SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI): I think it’s absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it’s called the Fairness Standard, whether it’s called something else — I absolutely think it’s time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves. I mean, our new president has talked rightly about accountability and transparency. You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place.

BILL PRESS: Can we count on you to push for some hearings in the United States Senate this year, to bring these owners in and hold them accountable?

SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI): I have already had some discussions with colleagues and, you know, I feel like that’s gonna happen. Yep.

Oh, and did I mention that Stabenow is married to a liberal talk radio executive?  How predictable.  Why should radio stations be required to provide "balance" on the radio?  If you don't like it, change the station.  Why do liberal Democrats feel the need to tell people what shows they have to have on the radio?  What are they afraid of?  An educated electorate - that's what. 

Friends and neighbors, be on guard.  Liberals excel at telling people what to do and how to live their lives.  This is one more example of this.