Stabenow: Hey, let’s hold hearings on bringing back the Fairness Doctrine
posted at 7:33 pm on February 5, 2009 by Allahpundit
Nothing to worry about. Just another figment of your paranoid wingnut imagination, same as it was when Pelosi mentioned it and Durbin mentioned it and Bingaman mentioned it and Schumer mentioned it.
I’m trying to game out the politics but can’t get a good read. On the one hand, it’d thrust people like Limbaugh into the middle of a hot-button policy debate, making their already-big megaphone even bigger. Bad for Democrats. On the other hand, my theory during the recent Rush dust-up has been that Obama and the left want to raise his profile in order to drive the GOP away from the center and back towards the right. Good for Democrats! On the other other hand, would they really benefit by turning him into a free-speech martyr? Having people sympathize with him only hurts the left’s cause of making him look fringey. Bad for Democrats. On the other other other hand, there may be enough popular support for reinstating Fairness that the sympathy factor would be muted. Good for Democrats! Stop me before I “other” again by clicking on the image to listen.
Blowback
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As a resident of Michigan I feel I must apologise for the fat stupid Senator from our state. She is only surpassed in worthlessness by our senior Senator Carl ” I am foreign policy” Levin. These two do nothing for the people of Michigan. I am so embarassed to live here.
deadbackpacker on February 6, 2009 at 7:59 AM
Her husband is a liberal talk radio exec. Uh, doesn’t that immediately disqualify her from this debate? By the way, MICHIGAN? REALLY? She and her Lib partners in crime should be in Gitmo for how they destroyed Michigan. STFU
marklmail on February 6, 2009 at 8:00 AM
fwiw – Here’s what I wrote to the Fugly B*tch via her email form. BTW I would think that all email forms have to be read for security reasons unless they are using a bot for that. IOW, let’s make the liberal Sh*thead staffers work screening millions of emails instead of promoting Communisim in our time. Heck, you might want to send her an elctronic copy of the US Constition. Her webform is at
stabnow web form
bullseye on February 6, 2009 at 8:02 AM
I’m looking forward to Ann Coulter’s appearance on Air America.
orlandocajun on February 6, 2009 at 8:05 AM
I woder how many of us will actualy STAND WITH RUSH when this gets going? I will be, will you?
This is NOT about Rush or Mark or Bortz or Hannity, it’s ALL about killing and silencing ANY AND ALL discent! It;s about keeping the American people from knowing what is in future Pork / Socilist Bills… It’s all about The Messiah, his popularity, his reign…
When, as is happening now, the American people get the actual facts about what the radicals in Washington are up to, it is REJECTED OUTRIGHT! This is horrible for the radical left and must be stopped at all costs…
The Constitution is at stake… If they acan silence Rush and other pricvate citizens, THEY CAN DO IT TO YOU AND HOTAIR AND DRUDGE AND FOX… Any and all oposition WILL BE DESTROYED! And folks, WE ARE NEXT. So if you care about the Constitution, your freedoms, like Rush or hate Rush, you better STAND WITH RUSH against this tidal wave of radicals.
It’s NOT about Rush, it’s about YOU!
Mark Garnett on February 6, 2009 at 8:33 AM
I agree with Mark Garnett. After they outlaw talk radio, they’ll come after us conservative bloggers. the left wing blogs will somehow be allowed to continue under some “greening of America” BS.
kelley in virginia on February 6, 2009 at 8:36 AM
These Liberal twits think they can pull this off… They will learn once again, Limbaugh-Hannity & Co. will outsmart them at every turn. Reid-Pelosi-Obama are taking on a target that will destroy the Democrat Party for a generation minimum.
Melt their phone lines! Let your voices (anger) be heard loud and clear…
Keemo on February 6, 2009 at 9:00 AM
The papers are failing, so they are losing their base…in the 50′s and the early 60′s, there were no real talk radio…when people like Michael Jackson (the talk show host) became popular, his liberal bias was more then welcome. But it was hindered by the “fairness doctrine”, so the libs (along with conservatives) fought it and got rid of it. I still remember the day that Jackson announced it and the joy he had…from then on, his show got more and more left, until the election of Clinton hit a new low for him. Weeks without any real right leaning dialogue, and the people he put on were the “right wing jokes”.
Now, they have lost their advantage, the left wing has failed to convince the people of their message, at least when it is presented openly.
right2bright on February 6, 2009 at 9:01 AM
Yesterday, Hannity went off on this female creature, giving out her phone numbers while on air. Her phone lines were trashed immediately. These Liberal creatures think they area above the laws of this land. Big mistake! The cliff is near if they continue on this path.
Keemo on February 6, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Isn’t that state in a big enough mess that she would have her hands full…I guarantee it wasn’t talk radio that has ruined your state, it was the leadership.
Diversionary tactic…look at the shiny object.
right2bright on February 6, 2009 at 9:03 AM
What the f&^k happened to Michigan? Was John Engler the only sane politician you guys have? Okay, and Dennis Archer, who was probably the best possible pol you could get from Detroit.
Someone needs to put this whore and her pimp husband in their rightful place–in jail.
PimFortuynsGhost on February 6, 2009 at 9:05 AM
Probably reiterating a point:
Stabenow’s husband is the owner of interests in liberal talk radio.
See Ace’s Update
Freedom of Speech and freedom of the press either exist completely or not at all.
Take down conservative talk radio, and watch the courts fill against the liberal media monopoly.
maverick muse on February 6, 2009 at 9:08 AM
Looking for ward to PMSNBC having a conservative counter to Olbermann.
Hilts on February 6, 2009 at 9:16 AM
Since the liberals control the networks and what’s left of print media, naturally radio scares the hell out of them.
If there will be hearings, then I’d love to have them on the left wing bias from the NY Times and WashPost alone.
Urban Infidel on February 6, 2009 at 9:46 AM
One last thought (I’m a Conservative which means I can think for myself).
Let’s apply the ‘Fairness Doctrine’ to ALL radio genre:
When some Urban Music station plays yet another ‘Gangsta Rap’ track, next they MUST play a Lawrence Welk Polka.
Or, when Federally Funded Public Radio encourages us to pledge money to keep National Public Radio on the air, they MUST air Andrew Wilkow for the same length of time.
How does that feel Leftys?
SeniorD on February 6, 2009 at 11:00 AM
deadbackpacker on February 6, 2009 at 7:59 AM
Amen brother! What a disgrace we have for Senators, Stabenow and Levin!
If people think that the Dems won’t attempt to squelch free speech on the internet and satellite, then they are terribly naive! The FCC controls all of those entities and can fine and regulate and ban anything they want! They have in the past and will continue to do so in the future. If you thought FCC intrusion is bad now, you should have been around pre-Reagan when they were a real pain in the a**. They would come in a virtually count the number of minutes per hour and would fine broadcasters if they put on a conservative without a liberal, even if the liberal refused to appear. It was their strategy just so conservatives couldn’t express their views.
flytier on February 6, 2009 at 12:02 PM
http://chickaboomer.blogspot.com/2009/02/nothing-fair-about-fairness-doctrine.html
Dr Evil on February 6, 2009 at 12:40 PM
So this corpulent, cadaverous old woman wearing a hair hat and applying makeup with a trowel, is the voice of reason when it comes to anything? Perhaps this state senator will explain why this issue is more important then driving the unemployment rate of her state down from the stratosphere. Funny how the troglodytes who helped elect her and BO are so concerned about hiding the truth, that senators, like this disgrace, are incompetent, ineffectual, self aggrandizing buffoons…and their constituents are ignorant dullards.
PatriotPete on February 6, 2009 at 1:23 PM
The problem is that you’re near the cliff as well.
If Stabenow were wise:
Disconnect the lines due to technical difficulty and install a paper shredder at the other end of the mail slot until the measures are passed. Then get the state to pass something that makes it a serious crime to (un)intentionally disable telecommunications equipment in this manner.
If you want to break phones, expect a response that will thwart it. Besides, the talk radio folk and Murdoch’s hosts look good in prison garb.
sethstorm on February 6, 2009 at 1:24 PM
News was news.
Nothing more.
sethstorm on February 6, 2009 at 1:26 PM
How do you figure that when…
Ejasz on February 6, 2009 at 2:01 PM
Jawohl Mein Herr. Ve Vill OBEY. !! Ve do NOT vand der Brownshirten to march us gefahren Der Kamp or Make us Kaput. Ve Vill no Longer Disobey Der Obamafuehrer..
So, in other words, there should be, in your asinine opinion, no accountabliltiy for government officials??
bullseye on February 6, 2009 at 2:04 PM
There was a time when I actually was convinced by the two party system. I didn’t think a super majority on our part was wise because we might do something horrendous like OMG, school prayer. Wonder of wonders. The libs glibly come here and joke as they slowly take our constitutional rights.
We’ll only take so much. I hope you’re ready to take all this to the level you think appropriate. Just remember what you do has consequences. Sometimes very serious ones. I think it would be an understandment to say that you’re playing with fire.
hawkdriver on February 6, 2009 at 2:32 PM
Spamming phones and mail does not mean you have accountability.
This is quite the case when the intention is overwhelm phone and mail.
They aren’t the only ones whom have taken away constitutional rights.
sethstorm on February 6, 2009 at 2:58 PM
My letter to her, and if you don’t want to fill out her web form, send it to senator@stabenow.senate.gov
Senator,
In a recent interview, you stated that “I absolutely think it’s time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves.” What do they need to be held accountable for? Provided that they comply with FCC regulations, their programming decisions are based on the market for which they air. In other words, their programming selections are what keep them in business.
This has nothing to do with fairness and everything to do with an attempt to cram liberal viewpoints down the throats of the American people ever since Democracy Radio and Air America went under as a result of poor ratings. No one mentioned the fairness doctrine while these networks were on the airwaves. Your husband helped put these failed organizations together, and now that they’ve tanked, your only recourse is to FORCE radio stations to offer opposing points of view. You know it, I know it, so who are we kidding? Yeah, that’s what we need, more government regulation to get us just THAT much closer to communism.
The only medium that has conservatism dominate is AM radio, which is why it is the only medium you’re targeting. The print media and the major networks lean very left. So is it “fair” to only go after radio because their broadcasting doesn’t fit your political beliefs? Are you going to regulate cable news networks as well? Because I certainly don’t see opposing points of view on MSNBC, which might explain why they are 3rd in the ratings of all 3 cable news networks. I’ll bet that when they finally go under, you’ll want a fairness doctrine for television as well. Problem is, Fox News already offers opposing points of view.
Quit treating Americans as naive, stupid people. Contrary to what you tell us, we know exactly why you and your fellow democrats Pelosi, Durbin, Bingaman and Schumer are doing this. Your networks lost listeners and subsequently went under because of extreme leftist (Franken, Rhodes) viewpoints. Get over it.
Bret C.
Colorado Springs, CO
RMCS_USN on February 6, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Oh, and include the word “Michigan” in your email somewhere, otherwise it’ll go to the back of the pile, based on the autoresponse I got back.
RMCS_USN on February 6, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Thank you for admitting that liberals are currently trying to take away our constitutional rights. You are definately heading in the right direction and I’m proud of you.
hawkdriver on February 6, 2009 at 3:34 PM
That’s a laugh – since if it’s there, it’s usually a token opposition a la Colmes.
sethstorm on February 6, 2009 at 3:34 PM
You are simply jaded by the media and what you consider fair. The media represents the left. Fox represents no one.
hawkdriver on February 6, 2009 at 3:41 PM
Well, the next time you are kneeling before your dead leader, please remind HIM of that.. You know, the guy who urged his
followerssycophants to ‘get in people’s faces’.. The guy whose goons in St Louis threatened to arrest anyone criticising der obamafuerher, the guy who is setting up an email/texting system to do exactly what you are railing against.Dude, people are getting pissed off real fast.. The cabinet picks, The gitmo thing.. Obama is unravelling and it is only 2 weeks in.
So, I will exercise my right to tell the elected PUBLIC SERVANTS in washington, my state capitol and my local muni building exactly what I think.
Hey pal, just as an aside, you liberals are going to crap yourselves when the Million Gun Owner march happens in March 2010.
Oh, yeah, I forgot, I suppose you also supported the Black Panthers intimidating voters in Philly.
This isn’t Soviet Moscow or Berlin in 1941 YET. We can still contact our legislators as we see fit.
Now, just to piss you off, I’m going to call the Fugly bitch to follow up on my email to her..
bullseye on February 6, 2009 at 3:47 PM
Lemme rephrase – Fox offers THE OPPORTUNITY to provide opposing points of view. Most liberals are too chickensh$t to take the opportunity, save for Geraldo, Whoopi (who was on Hannity last night), Al Sharpton, etc. I may not agree with them, but have respect for the fact that they were willing to defend their positions. Even Bawney Fwank had the balls to come on O’Reilly. As far as Colmes, I saw him as a token as well, mainly for the lame arguments he posed. He would disagree “just to disagree.”
RMCS_USN on February 6, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Well said. Wish I had thought of it myself.
RMCS_USN on February 6, 2009 at 3:52 PM
Oh Sethie babe.. I forgot to also mention how the obama supporters would jam the lines of radio stations when Jerome Corsi was trying to talk about his obama book.
Good for the goose, good for the gander.
So, tell me if you think expressing our opinions to our PUBLIC SERVANTS is wrong, do you also think that trying to intimidate radio stations who are interviewing a book author is also wrong??? Simple YES or NO..
bullseye on February 6, 2009 at 4:10 PM
Yes, please bring back the fairness doctrine. It’s only fair since Rush controls so many AM stations across America for three hours a day…
it can’t compete with…
MSNBC
ABC
CBS
CNN
NBC
NPR
DailyKos
MoveOn
and FNC when Geraldo is on.
Yeah, it’s so unfair.
Black Adam on February 6, 2009 at 4:31 PM
I thought I should share what fat Debbie said to me:
Thank you . . .
. . for contacting me about the “fairness doctrine,” which required broadcasters on public airways to allow time for contrasting points of view. I appreciate that you have taken the time to communicate your views and concerns with me.
The Federal Communications Commission first implemented this doctrine in 1949. At the time, it was concerned about the limited number of radio and television broadcast frequencies being controlled by advocates with a singular point of view. The FCC abandoned the doctrine in the 1980s. Should any proposal to reinstate this doctrine come before me in the Senate, I will be sure to keep your views and concerns in mind.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please do not hesitate to do so again if I can be of assistance to you in the future.
This is my reply:…..Wow the fairness doctrine was institued in 1949. WOW. 1949. Do you think the world has changed since then?
come on the stat of Michigan has far bigger problems than this. Besides doesn’t your husband have a conflict of interest on this issue, or is he too busy procuring hookers? Please address the issues the people of Michigan want you too. Otherwise you will be looking for other work the next time you are up for election
deadbackpacker on February 6, 2009 at 5:24 PM
Is this the same female married to the guy who “started/funded/organized” a company to promote “liberal” radio shows like Air America? Later sold it and is still i the liberal radio business in some form. Also, is he not the same guy that employed prostitutes for personal attention? Does anyone know? Heard it on the radio this afternoon in the Uberleft State of California.
I emailed her that I absolutely agreed. They should definitely make ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, MSNBC, print media in all forms, academics and politicians speak out positively on conservative/traditional philosophy. Told her I felt is was unfair for us to have only Fox!!!
sharinlite on February 6, 2009 at 7:31 PM
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