The truth comes out - what a Democrat really believes about the First Amendment
Yoikes! This would not be a good thing for Meet The New Press - unlike Hannity and Colmes that is built on the model of a Righty and a Lefty on the show, we are three conservatives who sometimes have Liberals on for sport. Actually, not quite true - we do want the debate (just seems that many of them keep running away from us - like Carol Shea-Porter!
But this is chilling from someone who has pledged to support the First Amendment. From the Radio Equalizer:
In a stunning admission most Democrats have been unwilling to make in public, a New Mexico senator has revealed his desire to eliminate commercial talk radio and its opposition voices as soon as it is politically feasible.
With the possibility of a Democratic Party supermajority after the upcoming elections, Jeff Bingaman may soon get his wish to quash dissenting viewpoints.
During an interview with KOB/ Albuquerque host Jim Villanucci, Bingaman overtly stated his full support for imposing Fairness Doctrine restrictions on free speech which would effectively shut down talk radio as we know it today.
If enacted, the Fairness Doctrine (which is anything but) would create logistical nightmares for radio programmers, leading quickly to shuttered stations. The need to "balance" every viewpoint presented would also destroy the entertainment value of talk radio, driving away the audience.
Though many have suspected Democrats would enact revenge on conservative talk radio after the election, Bingaman has foolishly suggested that it is on the table, despite previous denials from others in his party.
For their part, liberal talk hosts such as Ed Schultz have used those denials to claim no such plan is in the works, even going on the offensive against conservatives who say otherwise. Now, Schultz and others in the "progressive" talk area will be forced to admit that it may become a reality.
If you want to enforce a new Fairness Doctrine, I'd be OK if it was enforced equally in all venues. Hey Doug! Ready to have an NPR mic in front of each of us? Think Arnie Arnesan will be ready to share the stage with us each and every week? You, too, could be a star on Good Morning America and I'd love to mix it up as a permanent host on The View (push over there, Ms. Behar!).
And just think - a column of my own in the New York Times!
Like I said, not just the radio - ALL media.
