Fairness Doctrine Watch: Pence on the House floor…amendment accepted…Rep. Obey derides talk radio and “yap-yap TV;” “Let right-wing talk radio go on just as it is now. Rush and Sean are just about as important in the scheme of things as Paris Hilton.” Update: Amendment passes!
***8:00 pm Eastern update***
PENCE AMENDMENT PASSES HOUSE 309-115
Prohibits FCC From Reviving Fairness Doctrine
WASHINGTON, DC- U.S. Congressman Mike Pence issued the following statement today after the Pence-Hensarling-Flake Amendment passed the House of Representatives. The amendment to the Financial Services Appropriations bill prohibits funds from being used by the Federal Communications Commission to impose the Fairness Doctrine on broadcasters. The amendment passed 309-115.
Pence’s remarks on the victory are below:
“Today the House of Representatives affirmed that freedom will continue to reign on the airwaves of America. Thanks to the support of 308 of my colleagues, Congress has ensured that the Fairness Doctrine will remain in the grave for now. This was a resounding victory for free speech.
“However, the fight for freedom on the American airwaves is not over. With many still hoping to resurrect this archaic doctrine of unfairness, we must continue to stay on the offense. Tonight I will introduce the ‘Broadcaster Freedom Act’ to ensure that the victory we experienced on the House floor today extends to future generations.
“I thank all my colleagues, especially the Republican leadership in the House for delivering this resounding victory for the freedom of speech.”
I reported yesterday that Rep. Pence would be introducing an amendment today to the financial services appropriations bill to prevent FCC funds from being used to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine. He’s on the floor right now.
2:02pm Eastern. I’ve heard some members of this body say this is an issue that does not exist…In the last two days, Durbin has said, “Quote It’s time to reinstitute the Fairness Doctrine.” Pence also notes Dianne Feinstein and John Kerry’s statements in favor of resurrecting the Fairness Doctrine…you’ll pardon those of us who feel a cool breeze…say yes to freedom…reject any attempt to use funds to bring back this un-Fairness Doctrine.”
The amendment is accepted.
David Obey responds: “This issue is much ado about nothing.” Pooh-poohs debate on a non-existent issue. Blames right-wing radio for ginning up a fight that doesn’t exist.
Stepped away for a few minutes, but caught a bit of Dennis Kucinich, leader of the effort to resurrect the Fairness Doctrine, adding his pooh-poohing.
Pence says this is not about just this administration, but future administrations.
Jeb Hensarling, co-sponsor of the Pence amendment, speaks and urges House to err on the side of freedom. Orwell would hurl (okay, he didn’t say hurl, but close enough) at the phrase, “Fairness Doctrine.”
Diane Watson: “I find this very odd, this situation we are in…this is a complete red herring.”
They doth protest too much.
Roy Blunt: “I’m on the side that this debate does matter. I certainly think this debate is more meaningful than whether the Vice President is part of the executive branch or not. Appreciate majority’s willingness to accept this.”
Serrano (chairman of Appropriations Financial Services Subcmte): Why are you so afraid of something called the Fairness Doctrine?…You act like you have something to lose…You have nothing to fear but your fears (sic) itself.”
Pence: “Despite the gentleman’s assurances, which I completely accept as sincere, what we stand to lose is freedom.”
Giggle moment. Greg Walden, whose family works in broadcasting, starts a statement, but his mic isn’t working. “It’s cruel and unusual for a broadcaster to have his mic turned off!” Mic fixed: What we’re really about here is protecting fundamental, constitutional rights, free speech. Courts have made clear that using the Fairness Doctrine to restrict speech would be unconstitutional.
One-liner: “It’s not my fault that Air America didn’t find a huge audience and went bankrupt!”
2:26pm Eastern update. Minority Leader John Boehner up. Let citizens decide with their finger. Fairness Doctrine push “reminds me why I came here…Let’s trust the American people to decide for themselves…trust them to do the right thing.”
Tom Feeney notes that Dems say the Fairness Doctrine is a red herring and then that Repubs should like the Fairness Doctrine. The difference is that Rush admits he’s a conservative; Katie Couric and Dan Rather won’t admit their liberals. Rush would get regulated. The others, not.
Rep Kirk: As the kids today would say, “This doctrine is so 20th century.”
2:33pm Eastern update. Rep. Tom Price. Rather than fight in the marketplace of ideas, they want to bring back a 1920s regulation…”Let’s keep the Fairness Doctrine off our airwaves and in the history books where it belongs.”
2:40pm Eastern update. Obey sneers: “This hasn’t been the most scintillating debates in the history of the House floor. But the folks on talk radio and
yap-yap tv are publicly admitting they aren’t “fair and balanced.” If the media were really “liberal,” then conservatives would be pushing for the Fairness Doctrine.
What?!?
He really doesn’t get it.
Obey: I want to see Rush Limbaugh and Sean (Hannity) them bloviate in all their glory. Everyone knows he’s plugged in to Republican National Headquarters. He’s thoroughly discredited and I’d like to keep it that way. Let right-wing talk radio go on just as it is now. Rush and Sean are just about as important in the scheme of things as Paris Hilton.”
Pence: The bipartisan vote that I expect will be recorded today will be an encouragement…that we believe in freedom on the airwaves.
Obey: This is a lot of sound and fury signifying nothing.
Voice vote was initiated. Appeared that ayes were prevailing. Pence calls for recorded vote. Delayed probably until 5pm.
***
Speaking of talk radio, here’s video of Harry Reid’s jab at the the “generators of simplicity” on the radio airwaves.
See Captain’s Quarters for more coverage of the floor debate.
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MM I know this is important, but take the rest of the day off! Go get a foot rub! You deserve it!!!
More good news today.
If I wasn’t at work I’d be jumping up and down. No amnesty, good supreme court ruling, and now this… woohoo
After our victory in the Senate over S. 1639, we can now expect that they’ll be coming after the instruments of their defeat… talk radio and the blogosphere! Lock n’ load, we’re in for another fight!
These folks are so obvious, it is the old- Don’t look at what the man behind the curtain is doing…Americans can’t help it, if the Leftist are so heavy handed that everyone notices their machinations. The thing to watch, is to see if they try a backdoor manuever using Hate Speech Legislation. I have been told this is how they chip away at the 1st Amendment.
Bloodhound: I agree! We need to keep vigilant to ensure freedom of speech and freedom of the airwaves!
Firedrake: My 5 office mates and I have been dancing in the aisles all morning
Do not dance too soon. Where do you think the money is going to come from to buy the votes needed? How about the MSM lobbyists? Who has more money to spend than the MSM to kill anything conservative? Do not count your chickens before they hatch - this IS going to be a fight I am afraid.
P.S. ReagansWingman, I think MM will need her hands rubbed!
Great job once again!
GOD Bless you!
Boy, I guess I better start up a lawsuit with the ACLU! I’m certain they’ll go for this one!
Someone should remind these people that what just happened with the “immigration reform” bill can happen to the “Fairness Doctrine” too.
I wonder about free speech efforts. Parents: “you should’t say that”.. Teachers; “That isn’t approriate to say about this issue.”
Government: “say that we will put you in jail.”
Talk Radio,:”Wow, we have another issue to discuss today.”
Government:” Not if we democrats have anything to say about it.”
Capitalists: “Can we convince your advertisers that we have a ‘very large’ audience of listeners? Say yes and we will apply to have your audience listen to us.”
Liberals: “well it didn’t work again, let’s apply to congress for relief.”
MAN! These are exciting times. I feel so proud to be part of the conservative coalition.
Nothing fills me with greater joy than seeing a bunch of liberals hopping mad!
The victories in the SCOTUS is just icing on the cake!
Look at how many Repubs voted yes on shame-nisty. Look at the liberal sector and the “fans” they have. We are really outnumbered here so do not just (and I love this part) poo-poo this bill as a done deal. If we have learned nothing else we have learned Repubs can be bought.
I wonder if Pelosi has any procedural tricks ala MouseyMan Reid to ram through a Fairness Doctrine bill without letting anyone read it or debate it or amend it, trying to rig the process behind closed doors?
The house is more directly accountable to the people than the Senate, so maybe not. But I’ll be watching, just in case:)
Now this is the way to do it. Offense is the best defense. I know I am a broken record but its because its the truth (the cliche and conservative principles
). Lets all be sure to pour in attaboys to reps and senators who do things right–not just express our disapproval when they are wrong.
The truth does indeed make us free!
I am constantly amazed at the ability of the liberals to obscure their motives and plans simply by changing language.
Since few have actually said that we should resurrect the Fairness Doctrine, they feel they can say with a straight face that this entire issue is much ado about nothing.
When they introduce the bill that will more or less give us “Son of Fairness Doctrine,” they will look us right in the eye and say that “this is NOT the Fairness Doctrine. We’re not calling it that, don’t you undersand?” Just like the Amnesty bill was not about Amnesty because the word “Amnesty” was never mentioned.
This kind of thing has been going on for 40 years - ever since the left began playing games with language and meaning. They get to define what racism is - usually in order to shut off debate. They get to tell you the limits of proper speech - and woe betide those who exceed what, in their opinion, is proper.
All you can do is call them on it. And I have a feeling we’ll have that opportunity before too long with the Fairness Doctrine. The Democrats will not allow talk radio and blogs to get in the way of their election victory in 2008 and will do whatever it takes to stifle the right.
MM thanks for all your hard work! Woo-Hoo.
Mr. Orwell was a very prescient fellow.
I wonder if Obey things Ted Kennedy doesn’t bloviate? BTW, I think Obey’s liberal bias is showing.
After what just happened they wont want this fight YET. They’ll back off, bide their time and look for a vulnerability. Be careful!
I agree Truthseeker.
They will try to “Reid” this bill as well and tie the hands of the proponents.
Start calling early and often. Emails are great too.
If they provide the names of talk show hosts that don’t air opposing viewpoints by some mechanism, I’ll stop listening to them. The ones I listen to provide more coverage of opposing viewpoints than the MSM outlets.
I wonder if the lame stream media will cover today’s MASSIVE protest in their beloved Venezuela against Chavez’s shut down of an opposition television network. This is what the left hopes to do to talk radio and Fox News. Will we protest as vigorously if they succeed? Check out the AP photo.
http://news.yahoo.com/photo/070627/481/1d05390c25074ddfa47c2069a3c45113
I will do whatever is necesary to protect my freedom of speech etc. - that includes taking to the streets. I emphasize: whatever is necessary.
NO WEAK IMMIGRATION BILL: Well done to all those folks who called and e:mailed their representatives. Finally, they listened to the people they are supposed to be representing. Let’s do the same with this silly, unconstitutional (lack of) “Fairness” doctrine. Silly progressives, don’t they understand the economics of a free marketplace. The Fairness Doctrine, if passed, will be the death knell of AM Talk Radio. It’ll be like listening to the old USSR radio shows, PURE PROPAGANDA and no entertainment.
Curious. He was on Dennis Miller’s radio show two weeks ago, giving his “liberal viewpoint” to the audience. Yet the whole three-hour show would be designated “conservative” in an FCC accounting. Rush and Hannity also provide the liberal viewpoint on issues with audio clips, direct quotes, callers…you can’t listen a week without picking up both sides of an issue, because that’s how the hosts prove their arguments are stronger and their ideas are better for America.
Barely worth mentioning how hypocritical and weaselish it is to take advantage of talk radio one week and bash it on the floor of the House the next, since no one expects any better from Kucinich.
Isn’t Obey the one who used the term “Idiot liberals”? LOL!!
Amnesty is defeated this year, now let’s get to the second battle and rally to defeat it: the attack by the leftists communists and some of their comrades on the “right” on conservative talk radio.
This is the “Fairness Doctrine? What Fairness Doctrine” stupidity stage.
Next comes the blame talk-radio for inciting hatred against the liberals stage.
I can’t believe they have the temerity to get up there and say they aren’t bringing back the UnFairness Doctrine, yet Republicans should support it anyway (was this an admission that the media is too liberal?).
What a joke.
They believe you, I, and every other American in this nation is too stupid to realize what the UnFairness Doctrine means, and that they can hoodwink us into buying into it as some noble bastion of equality.
What a joke.
Pence was interviewed on the Michael Savage show and discussed the Broadcasters Freedom Act.
Podcast available after 9:00pm EST. Third hour, halfway through.
Savage Podcast
GREAT POST ON A VERY IMPORTANT SUBJECT. you know this would be the next thing they try to ram through “for the good of the people”
Could all the fuss be over John Edwards’ extreme jealousness over Ann Coulter’s ab-fab hair???…
This did not just pass, it was an avalanche. Maybe people remember what really happened with the fairness doctrine. Only one President actively sought to employ it: Nixon. The rest confined AM radio to a slow death as stereo stations and super clear FM moved to short distance FM. So without music, AM was doomed. Political talk, which evolved into car repair, home repair, medicine, gossip, gender and pets totally revived AM and led to a new business model and a more meaningful commute for millions after Reagan, on principle, got rid of this unConstitutional travesty.The business now employs well over 100,000 people directly and many more indirectly.That is what is at stake.
What happened to those freedom loving Liberals, you know, protect your library card and all — Have they now turned into the First Amendment be-damned party? It would seem so. Must have all been an act in the first place.
A reality check: John Pedesta raised the issue of ownership of the media, which is a problem–not the fairness doctrine. Republican hero Teddy Roosevelt was against trusts having too much power. We don’t want a few media companies owning all outlets. Of course, talk radio and cable whose main interest is themselves made a big deal about it because it involved them.
It is a non-issue and the Congressman was correct: Rush and Sean are as releavant as Paris Hilton.
sorry my comments were in bold, I thought it was turned off.
Too bad they didn’t put it ot a roll-call vote so we know who is in favor of the “Chavez Doctrine”
MikeB:
Paris Hilton managed to rally a few hundred people ( ok, maybe a few more ) to give her sympathy for breaking the law.
Rush, Sean, and others like them, rallied MILLIONS of Americans to change the course of law in this country.
I don’t know what measurement guide you, or Rep. Obey use, but I’d call that being fairly relevant.
Jrlingreenbay, MikeB knows Conservative Radio is relevant. That is what scares him and people like him.
It is fun to watch Libs panic in the face of free speech, doing their best to squelch opposing opinions while claiming to be the protectors of said free speech.
PB:
Mike B opposes the Fairness Doctrine as he has made clear on several occasions.
But you’re right about the liberals in general. It’s unbelievable to listen to them trying to justify resurrecting the FD. They have to twist themselves in so many knots of logic, a pretzel would have a hard time following them.
Mike B hilariously commented:
“It is a non-issue and the Congressman was correct: Rush and Sean are as releavant as Paris Hilton.”
Then why is the left suddenly concerned with the fairness doctorine? Oh, yes, it’s about ownership. No one ever said a word about Ted Turner, but now that talk radio has derailed immigration and questioning things like the cowardly democratic Presidential candidates running away from Fox News, now suddenly it’s about media ownership. This, despite other Democrats whining about Rush and Sean specifically. Yeah, it’s only about ownership, eh, Mikey?
Spin us another fairy tale, Mikey. I miss those days from my infancy.
I never said anything about Mike and the Fairness Doctrine. My response was directed at his comment likening the -relevance- of Sean, Rush and the rest to Paris Hilton.