What is the "Fairness Doctrine"?

What exactly is the "Fairness Doctrine," anyway?

Are you one of those people who says, "What Fairness Doctrine?" See if the following sounds like you:

I'll be honest, I'd never even heard of the Fairness Doctrine until I read this question.

Many feel as though the term "fairness" doctrine is a misnomer. They would assert that "censorship" is a more appropriate term. Irrespective of how you may feel about those media-outlets that would inevitably be affected by this doctrine, it is nothing short of an abridgement to freedom of speech.

In response to my request that Sen. Cornyn voice my concerns regarding the proposed "Fairness Doctrine," Sen. Cornyn responded as follows:

Thank you for contacting me regarding efforts to reinstate the "fairness doctrine." I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this matter.

Given the proliferation of media outlets today, consumers now have greater access to a broad range of information and discussions of contrasting points of view on issues of public importance than they did in the mid-20th century when the fairness doctrine was first adopted. If reinstated, the "fairness doctrine" would be a direct assault on the First Amendment, one of our nation’s most cherished freedoms.

As such, the Broadcasters Freedom Act, which I am proud to cosponsor, was introduced in the Senate on January 6, 2009. This legislation would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from using funds to impose the "fairness doctrine" on America’s broadcasters. A basic principle of our democracy is a press that is free of government influence or control. The federal government should not dictate to Texans or the rest of the Country what can be said on the airwaves. The Broadcaster's Freedom Act will ensure that all ideas can be expressed openly and freely on our nation’s airwaves.

I appreciate having the opportunity to represent Texans in the United States Senate, and you may be certain that I will keep your views in mind should relevant legislation be considered during the 111th Congress. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,

JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator

Should the "Fairness Doctrine" be reinstated? Interest in reviving this Doctrine emanated principally Congressional-Democrats, the principal purpose of which, unequivocally, is to silence conservative talkshow hosts across the nation. It is a power-play to obtain a grip on the media and create a stranle-hold on the free exchange of ideas.

Is the Doctrine "a direct assault on the First Amendment, one of our nation’s most cherished freedoms"?

If nothing else, find out what it means to you. We are in desperate need of an informed-citizenry.

Irrespective of your position on the doctrine, I merely ask that it be "informed," not one you gleaned from MTV or some late-night talk show!

January 21

Subject: January 21

Yeasterday:
1. Outgoing President George W. Bush quietly boards his helicopter and leaves for Texas , commenting only: "Today is not about me. Today is a historical day for our nation and people."

Eight years ago yesterday:
1. Outgoing President Bill Clinton schedules two separate radio addresses to the nation, and organizes a public farewell speech/ rally in downtown Washington D.C. scheduled to directly conflict with incoming President Bush' s inauguration ceremony.


Yesterday:
2. President B ush leaves office without issuing a single Presidential pardon, only granting a commutation of sentence to two former border patrol agents convicted of shooting a convicted drug smuggler. He does not grant any type of clemency to Scooter Libby or any other former political aide, ally, or business partner.


Eight years ago yesterday:
2. President Clinton issues 140 pardons and several commutations of sentence on his final day in office.

Included in these are: billionaire financier, convicted tax evader, and leading Democratic campaign contributor Marc Rich; Whitewater scandal figure Susan McDougal; Congressional Post Office Scandal figure and former Democratic Congressman Dan Rostenkowski; convicted bank fraud, sexual assault and child porn perpetrator and former Democratic Congressman Melvin Reynolds; and convicted drug felon Roger Clinton, the President's half-brother.


Yesterday:
3. The Bush daughters leave gift baskets in the White House bedrooms for the Obama daughters, containing flowers, candy, stuffed animals, DVD's and CD's, and heartfelt notes of encouragement and advice for the young girls on how to prepare for their new lives in the White House.


Eight year s ago Yesterday:
3 .. Clinton and Gore staffers rip computer wires and electrical outlets from the White House walls, stuff piles of notebook papers into the White House toilets, systematically remove the letter "W" from every computer key-pad in the entire White House, and damage several thousand dollars worth of furniture in the White House master bedroom.


Headlines On This Date 4 Years Ago:
"Republicans spending $42 million on inauguration while troops Die in unarmored Humvees"

"Bush extravagance exceeds any reason during tough economic times"

"Fat cats get their $42 million inauguration party, Ordinary Americans get the shaft"


Headlines Today:
"Historic Obama Inauguration will cost only $170 million"

"Obama Spends $170 million on inauguration; America Needs A Big Party"

"Everyman Obama shows America how to celebrate"

"Citibank executives contribute $8 million to Obama Inauguration"


----------Send this to anyone you suspect might not know what a class act looks like.