(un)FAIRNESS DOCTRINE!

Dear Friend,

Never in my lifetime did I ever imagine that I would be asked to sign a petition to stop legislation that will certainly endanger free speech in this wonderful country of ours; however, I have been, and it disturbs me greatly. The legislation that is in question is simply called the "Fairness Doctrine." The idea that talk show personalities are so "dangerous" to the LIBERAL dunderfarts that "forced" time must be provided to "oppose" them has stimulated the drive to renew the doctrine.

This means curbing the conservative hosts by reactivating a law that says, in essence, those radio stations (and some TV) that carry such talk show hosts as Limbaugh, Graham, Hannity, Savage and others, and who are conservatives, must provide equal time and opportunity for the opposition to present their "side" of the issues. This is, of course, tantamount to censoring one group to favor another. To my knowledge there has never been any denial to "the opposition" from having their own talking head -- or having a "liberal" radio or TV station to give their opinions or arguments. As I recall, several attempts were made to foster such "equal time" talk shows; however, due to their unpopularity, they folded. That certainly isn't the fault of the conservative hosts. They apparently are better at what they do, or the opposition (say LIBERAL) couldn't hold an audience, or draw high enough ratings to make it worth the while of the stations to keep them. After all, sponsors pay good money to advertise on radio and TV stations, and if the audience is small or not there, the stations lose money -- the opposite of what a business is supposed to do!

The reason I mention this is rather obvious. The most obvious is that those trying to get the Fairness Doctrine back into action are messing around with freedom of speech -- one of the most important Amendments to the United States Constitution. Doing anything to upset or deny freedom of speech is reason enough for me to get out my most accurate rifle and make sure I am up to par using it.

There is at least one radio talk host who is preparing legal action if his freedom of speech is curtailed. His short report says:
Savage goes on offense in 'Fairness Doctrine' battle
Talk radio icon Michael Savage is going on the offense and has agreed to work with a Michigan-based civil rights advocacy organization to protect free speech by fighting the return of the so-called "Fairness Doctrine."
"A regulation of speech motivated by nothing more than a desire to silence political opposition on controversial issues of public interest is the purest example of a law abridging the freedom of speech," said Richard Thompson, president and chief counsel of Thomas More Law Center.

From MY VIEW, freedom of speech is the most important of our Bill of Rights. It crosses over into all of our unalienable rights -- given us outside of our mortal self. It is a God-given right and must never be denied us. You can bet, though, that when socialism begins to rear its ugly head, this is the first right that is put into a coffin and laid to rest.

Here are some names for which to watch in the following days -- names of people who are pushing for reinstating the Fairness Doctrine: Bill Clinton, who has recently chimed in, pushing to offer countervailing opinions of the Liberal bunch. Others are: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Representative Henry Waxman, Senators Debbie Stabenow and Tom Harkin. There are others, some vociferous; others still in the closet; however, their false exterior celebrity, their quite internal plotting is for the Fairness Doctrine -- much to their immorality of infamy done to our land.

And, would you believe it, those who could themselves be part of any litigation against the Fairness Doctrine are also pushing for its reactivation -- the written media are feverishly working to get liberal leaders in lockstep on the talking points! Yet, they are less vulnerable than radio and TV hosts. It is less costly to print what the opposition says than provide an electronic platform. This issue is a matter of economics as well, of course. Mostly, though, be prepared to long for "the good old days", when you could listen to your favorite radio or TV host who spoke your type of talk, spoke for you, gave you balanced and honest news. They will be gone if the Liberals have their way. By the way, who among all the "righteous" leaders will be the judges to determine whether there is a fair or balanced coverage? Who will evaluate the newspapers, magazines or any other written media to determine whether equal time is given to each of the "opposing philosophers"? On what scale will the judging be made? No one knows, or will ever agree if the plan is put in action. What can you do when you are dealing with stupidity?

My friend, keep your weapon in good shape; make sure you have ample ammunition; get your bunkers in order; know the enemy and make friends with a sizeable group of soldiers (even us old coots can lay hidden behind a hedgerow and pick the enemy off as they go by!) and pray to the God of our Forefathers to bring back the spirit of liberty and freedom as it was in their day. Pray for America, yourself and family, me and my family. God knows that our lights of hope are not just His forgotten stars made long ago for our pleasure. I suggest to any who reads these words that they make a solemn vow to protect their freedom of speech against all enemies, and that it is a right for which dying is a moral duty. It is basic to liberty and freedom -- two distinct rights, but interwoven, warp and woof, as is the finest cloth. Do that now. Do it individually and in groups.

Agape

W. S. Arnott, Ph.D.
Veritas vos Liberabit!
Premum non Nocere! Then fight evil with vengeance!