Jeff Bingaman: You know what would be sweet? Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine
posted at 3:10 pm on October 22, 2008 by Allahpundit
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The closer we get to a filibuster-proof Democratic majority, the more I think my earlier take about them wanting to avoid pushing this is wrong. The risk is that it’ll galvanize conservatives, but if they get a huge mandate in two weeks and can pass some crowd-pleasing legislation early on to shore up their popularity, why wouldn’t they press their advantage by trying to knock Limbaugh et al. onto satellite radio? Bingaman knows how to sell it, with exalted language about a “higher calling.” Imagine how much more exalted it’ll sound coming from The One, after he has one of his patented changes of heart and decides it’s a good idea after all. The public’s already halfway there.
Click the image to listen and forward it to an undecided voter you love.
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I’m kind of surprised at this.
I actually know him (used to rent a commercial building to one of his wife’s companies… Still do, but she sold the business to someone else) and knew him socially in my less hermit-like days.
Sure, he is a liberal, but he always struck me as one of the few Democrat Senators who loved America and respected the Constitution.
If Udall wins Domenici’s Senate seat, I would expect this sort of thing from him, since he is as big a marxist Constitution shredder as 0bama is.
Anyway, I let him know how disappointed I am in him. Too bad his wife sold her business… I’d raise her rent just for a little revenge.
LegendHasIt on October 22, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Well. No one can say they weren’t forewarned. These thugs want to shut down free speech and use arbitrary rule over deciding what is appropriate. And whether the Fairness Doctrine could be applied to all media, or not, that is what this turd said – ‘media’.
I get a kick out of the idea that he talks about “both sides”, as if politics starts and ends with the Dems and Repubs. This is all just surreal.
progressoverpeace on October 22, 2008 at 3:51 PM
Psychoanalysis is dandy but liquor is quicker.
Sigmund on October 22, 2008 at 3:51 PM
As someone said earlier in the thread, those broadcasters are already “fair.” Only conservative views will be affected.
Cicero43 on October 22, 2008 at 3:52 PM
I have absolutely no problem with this as long as I am the one, the only one, who gets to decide what’s fair for the rest of the nation to listen to.
And if I’m elected Chief of the Speech, Hate, and Intolerant Talk Police, you all here at HotAir (registered member only – no lurkers) can listen and say whatever the fu.. you want to.
Except if I don’t like you. Of if I’m just feeling lousy. Or if my wife has another of her very frequent headaches. Or for whatever reason I feel like because I’m the fu..ing Chief of S.H.I … and don’t forget it!
Rod on October 22, 2008 at 3:52 PM
Did you call Bingaman’s office and give him hell yet? I did, they have some real geniuses answering the phones.
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 3:53 PM
Imagine trying to balance Uberdope.
Then we’ll need balance on TV, and balance in the movies.
Careful what you wish for, Bingoman,
drjohn on October 22, 2008 at 3:55 PM
Uh, yeah you did…
Good show. Wish I could throttle some sense into him over the phone.
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 3:55 PM
I’m listening.She talks as if she’s shooting meth!
ManlyRash on Oct 22,2008 at 3:47PM.
ManlyRash: In case you missed it,she told Shaun Hannity
that she downed a few cans of Red Bull!:)
canopfor on October 22, 2008 at 3:56 PM
I wonder if ‘fairness doctrine’ would mean that every time you put up a speech of MLK jr, you must post propaganda for the KKK.
The fairness doctrine flies in the face of freedom of the press and free speech.
ThackerAgency on October 22, 2008 at 3:56 PM
He should have sought a higher calling than that of a lying politician. How about “baby killer”. His mom must be so proud.
marklmail on October 22, 2008 at 3:57 PM
LOL. heard it. Man, that lady chattered a mile a minute.
ManlyRash on October 22, 2008 at 3:59 PM
In that case, can you prescribe a good scotch?
ManlyRash on October 22, 2008 at 4:00 PM
First they came for the radio programing, but I didn’t care because I wasn’t on the radio…
ChrisM on October 22, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Lionheart the answer to your first question is NO. The objective is to suppress dissent. The term “fairness” is a charade.
diogenes on October 22, 2008 at 4:02 PM
To serve Our Dear Leader.
spmat on October 22, 2008 at 4:02 PM
No thanks………..
I would much rather read this:
“American taxpayers deserve to have confidence that their interests are being protected when it comes to collecting royalties from the production of public oil and gas resources, especially given the potential for expanded domestic drilling,” said Sen Jeff Bingaman, chairman of the Senate Energy Committee.”
They just can’t help themselves, can they…………….?
Seven Percent Solution on October 22, 2008 at 4:04 PM
I don’t think this will survive the inevitable 1st Amendment challenge.
DerKrieger on October 22, 2008 at 4:05 PM
Communism cannot live with free speech.
tarpon on October 22, 2008 at 4:06 PM
So we’re probably OK if we post before 9:00 PM?
neuquenguy on October 22, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Unless Judge Ginsburg his hearing the case. ACLU is to busy trying to kill God to care.
neuquenguy on October 22, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Email anyone?
reshas1 on October 22, 2008 at 4:14 PM
To label this doctrine as “fairness” is as if to label excrement as “dessert”.
The only reason to gag talk radio is because it is effective. Hence the necessity to ensure it flourishes.
shaken on October 22, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Where the hell is that Whitey tape????
13Girl on October 22, 2008 at 4:17 PM
My office already can scan emails and block outgoing mail if they don’t like where it’s headed. (I can’t email Rush from work because of this.) What makes you think the Fairness Doctrine won’t have similar technology?
*eats*
Grue in the Attic on October 22, 2008 at 4:17 PM
Nowehere. I think it’s and urban legend.
clemycali on October 22, 2008 at 4:38 PM
“I just want to know who a black radio station will have to put on the air to counter there Martin Luther King Day programming. A KKK member?
Mark1971 on October 22, 2008 at 3:45 PM”
Just for fun, tune in the MICHAEL BAISDEN Show, a black R&B station,on the ABC Radio Network. It it one long commercial for Obama. I heard Baisden interview Obama on his station, once. Obama said something like; “Under my plan 95% of the people will get a tax cut. For this audience it will be more like 97%, 98%, 99%.”
Reparations by another name.
Star20 on October 22, 2008 at 4:45 PM
I’d rather have a bottle in front of me, than have a frontal lobotomy?
Corsair on October 22, 2008 at 4:46 PM
The problem is, define “conservative”.
The “Tanning Bed Media”’s interpretation of the “conservative” viewpoint which they’ll want to put forth in order to be “fair” is far different than what your or I would determine to be actually conservative.
Consider this, if my point isn’t clear: Andrew “PowerGlutes” Sullivan is frequently labeled by the media as a “conservative”. The BEST you could hope for, under a reinstated Fairness Doctrine, is for CNN or MSNBC to feature someone like Chris Buckley as the “conservative” voice to be featured (i.e. a “conservative” who just so happens to agree with Obama / Democrats on all of the big, important issues).
Vyce on October 22, 2008 at 4:51 PM
The Constitution will become toilet paper. Thanks Dems.
But pushing Limbaugh to satellite will kill him? Is this what they think? What was it that Obi Wan Kenobi said…I paraphrase…Kill me and I’ll become stronger than you could ever imagine…. Something like that.
Limbaugh, Ingraham, Hannity, Savage, Medved, et al., they’re never gonna go away. If anything, they’ll become more popular. And then the Dems need to really watch out.
Pope Linus on October 22, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Put Allah in charge of determining fairness!!!!
Fuquay Steve on October 22, 2008 at 5:04 PM
It did before, this was challenged and the challenge lost. We had the fairness doctrine for decades, since the end of the 40’s through the most of the 70’s. It was challenged several times in Federal then finally Supreme court.
It has something to do with limited license, therefore only a limited amount of time is available under license.
Papers would be exempt because “anyone” can print a paper, not withstanding the huge amount of money to actually do so.
TV would not be exempt, and was, but don’t ask me why. They are licensed.
The trick to defeating this would be to make every news organization to play by the same rules. If the libs want to institute it, and they have the votes, they can’t be stopped.
Then the NYT, LAT, NBC, CBS, etc. would fight this tooth and nail.
right2bright on October 22, 2008 at 5:20 PM
The liberal mind does not process the concept of tolerance. It knows how to make the tongue, lips and larynx say the words, but their brain does not actually compute the idea. I have lib friends and relatives who will proudly explain to you how tolerant they are, and how they would (generously) allow anyone to say anything, and then add right at the end “… as long as it is the truth.”
They. Just. Don’t. Get. It.
drunyan8315 on October 22, 2008 at 5:20 PM
Great plan, Comrade Bingaman. Above and beyond your unspeakably grim, pukeworthy, Orwellian claim that you are seeking a “higher calling” by stifling free speech and discourse, how many tens of thousands of people will be unemployed when you put these radio stations out of business?
Buy Danish on October 22, 2008 at 5:28 PM
What makes you think they won’t try to regulate that, too?
peacenprosperity on October 22, 2008 at 5:32 PM
They will kill “squelch” any oposing views, First on radio, then print, then internet. In short, China here we come to join your sucessful model. Any it will work here! They say!!
jtpcamp on October 22, 2008 at 5:38 PM
Recommend you read Rick Moran’s post on the polls. It ain’t pretty
http://rightwingnuthouse.com/
Calm down.. geez
Bradky on October 22, 2008 at 5:58 PM
What kind of job do you do where emailing Rush is part of your official duties? Just wonderin
Bradky on October 22, 2008 at 6:00 PM
Nice list there. And if you don’t mind I might add …
Card Check
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
BowHuntingTexas on October 22, 2008 at 6:10 PM
Mark Levin is leveling Senator Dingaling. He is a tool. And, unfortunately, there are not enough smart people here in New Mexico to vote him out.
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 6:41 PM
Hey Hornet… Speaking of not enough smart people in NM: Did you see this?
NM Budget woes are only going to get worse
LegendHasIt on October 22, 2008 at 7:05 PM
Oh, That’s interesting. I didn’t know that Bingaman’s wife Anne was a paid lobbyist in Washington specializing in lobbying against ATT and other telephone companies, according to Levin.
It is really curious; as I alluded to here earlier about me renting to her business…. Well, during that same period that Levin is talking about; She and her partner, EX NM Gov. Toney Anaya owned our local telephone company (they bought the franchise from GTE.) And anyway, the main local telephone switching station is in one of our buildings.
It is a small world today, for me, for sure.
LegendHasIt on October 22, 2008 at 7:21 PM
Greed, deceit and this guy just keeps on ripping his constituents off.
Bingaman needs to retire.
SayWhat on October 22, 2008 at 7:27 PM
Talk radio cannot be stopped because there are too many venues they can move to where the government can’t interfere with them.
The only ones that will suffer are the radio stations that carried them. They will have to revert back to their TOP 40 days and in doing so will lose much revenue.
If they were smart they should sue the government for restraint of trade.
pocomoco on October 22, 2008 at 7:28 PM
It won’t happen but if the GOP wanted to really make a difference about these types of things they would go on a one year boycott of all television and radio. The price to come back would be proven objective journalism. It could be organized via the internet and all businesses targeted with millions of emails advising them of their lost market.
Bradky on October 22, 2008 at 7:33 PM
Despite all of this, If we can keep Udall out of the other Senate seat, I’ll be willing to put up with ‘Senator HushTheConservatives’ for another few years.
LegendHasIt on October 22, 2008 at 7:35 PM
Its all about entitlement, ask La Raza!
dmann on October 22, 2008 at 8:08 PM
True enough. I live in the southern part. Border Patrol pretty much takes out the trash.
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 8:31 PM
Here’s a thought. Stop giving illegals driver’s licenses, free healthcare, welfare…just like California.
I hope the state gov’t collapses. Don’t depend on them for my cheese…..
HornetSting on October 22, 2008 at 8:34 PM
I’d like to see a fairness doctrine imposed on congress.
No liberal democrat should ever be allowed in front of a camera unless a conservative is there to set the record straight.
JellyToast on October 22, 2008 at 8:53 PM
Marx is alive and well in the democrat party.
texaninfidel on October 22, 2008 at 9:01 PM
Yeah, we had a lot of fairness during the fairness doctrine. I have worked in radio for 35 years and as a news director, I had an incredibly hard time trying to do our public service programming, which radio stations are still required to do BTW, because you could hardly find a time when both sides of the issue wanted to be on the air at the same time and if you didn’t do that then some moron would complain to the FCC that you were violating the law and the FCC would come a do a anal probe on the station and find some kind of violation, for which they could fine you. The fairness doctrine did nothing but to squelch free speech, the thing that the Liberals are always screaming that they support, as long as it’s their free speech and not that of conservatives.
flytier on October 22, 2008 at 9:15 PM
It will actually be interesting to see how some of the conglomerates that are major AM radio station owners react to the Democrats’ efforts to bring back the Fairness Doctrine. Of course the left won’t care what happens to Rush’s employer, Clear Channel, or their AM stations, but Viacom/CBS and Citadel/ABC-Disney are two other major players in the business, and outside of big city all-news stations and a few sports talk stations, conservative talk radio is all that’s financially holding up not just the AM stations, but in many cases the FM stations in some of the urban clusters, as younger people migrate away from music on the radio to iPods.
Force stations to scuttle half of their profitable programming for liberal shows that have failed to break the 1.0 mark in every big city market that’s not named San Francisco, and you’re going to be taking a major shot at the profits of some companies that have been very generous to Democrats in the past. Which is why if Obama wins, it’s going to force a lot of his supporters in the business side of the media to decide whether unconitional support of The One is worth losing profits, and potentially, their jobs.
jon1979 on October 22, 2008 at 9:24 PM
Ah, yes. A higher calling.
Lorded over by a Media Pope, presumably.
mojo on October 22, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Even if it existed, with all the early/absentee voting, I suspect its impact would be minimal.
UndertheBridge on October 23, 2008 at 2:58 AM
Fairness doctrine – They will make sure it only affects radio stations. NPR and PBS get so much money the afirness doctrine won’t be a bother for them.
davod on October 23, 2008 at 3:13 AM
Anybody actually think they would simply re-instate the old one?? This new one will not be your grand daddie’s fairness doctrine! They are going to so attack the American people in every single way they can! All while our so called free unbiased press stand by observing and cheering the “Age of Obama!”
At some point American’s are going to have to stand up and say no!
This is how civil wars actually do start! Not by some nuts threatening to hold up in a bunker somewhere,,, but when the future Obama Storm Troopers coming rolling in with tanks to crush a radio station for airing Rush Limbaugh, and arresting the hordes of people listening in the streets, or going from home to home confiscating radios!
Oh,, I guess I’m just being paranoid,, these Dems would never do that. Sorry,, silly of me.
JellyToast on October 23, 2008 at 8:13 AM
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