Politics and Religion

Fairness Doctrine

2009-01-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

The Fairness Doctrine Is Not What It Seems

The question of fairness is something that all people in the world have asked themselves: what is fair? At what point do we take right and wrong and mix them together? What do we gain from too much or too little compromise? In the quest for equality and equal opportunity, we find ourselves losing the right of free speech in the form of the Fairness Doctrine. I am staunchly against the implementation of the Doctrine for a multitude of reasons.

The first reason to oppose the Fairness Doctrine is that it is not constitutional. The First Amendment allows for the freedom of speech. The Fairness Doctrine does the exact opposite of what this amendment allows. For example, it positions a select group of people, appointed by the current administration, to monitor the Federal Communications Commission, thereby giving them complete control over what they perceive to be fair. The Fairness Doctrine states that equal air time should be given to every person. An example of this is that for every 3 hours of air time on one particular topic, an opposing view must be allowed to present equal time to present their opinion. The Constitution does not require us to present a view that is contrary to what we believe. This doctrine ties the hands of the people who would express themselves.

Supply and demand is the second reason that I oppose the Fairness Doctrine. If one looks at history, it shows that supply and demand is the rule in business and communications. To require a company to air positions that would not benefit them financially, such as to market liberal opinions to conservative audiences or vice versa, would eventually cause them to have to drop programs, because of lack of funding or audience interest. If they do not supply what the audience is looking for, or they provide the opposite, then demand will drop, and the company will lose money and be forced to shut down.

The Fairness Doctrine was originally adopted in the 1940s to provide the public “fair and balanced” views, concerning the public interest. At that point in time, radio and television stations were publicly owned and operated. In today’s society, there are multiple media for information, private and public. With that being said, the need for regulation and control is much less now than it was then. The Fairness Doctrine has become outdated. The government has no place regulating privately-owned media.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) should not have the last say in matters of fairness. To have a group of people controlling all the media would allow for biased approaches to fairness, especially if they have to answer to no one. The freedom of speech and press is granted to all people in the First Amendment, which states that “Congress shall make no law… abridging freedom of speech or of the press.” John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon each, during their presidencies, wanted to use the fairness doctrine for political gain, to hush their opponents. This is another example of why the Fairness Doctrine should not be allowed to be implemented again.

The final reason against the Doctrine is: at what point do we stop controlling what people say? Does it extend into the home? Does it extend into the church? Where do we draw the line for government control? How much control over our lives as American citizens do we want to give to people that we have never met? Another thing to keep in mind is that these people would be appointed by a partisan President. How much freedom are we willing to give up for the sake of being “fair”?

The proponents of the Fairness Doctrine would suggest that not everyone has equal resources, such as time and money. They argue that this makes them less capable of producing the same amount of exposure and that equality is in the best interest of the public. These points have some merit on the surface. However, the Constitution tells us that we are entitled to our opinions, and we should not be forced, or force others, to promote views contrary to their own belief and values. We must be vigilant and not allow our government to overstep its boundaries. The government is in place to protect the rights guaranteed to us by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. It is not there to promote political and financial gain.

I am not a supporter of the Fairness Doctrine. I do not agree with government regulation over the private sector, in regard to what people choose to say or not say. I believe that the doctrine will unfairly hurt businesses and is no longer necessary or appropriate. There should not be a single group of people overseeing the communications industry, due to the lack of guidelines and measures for preventing abuse of the system. The Doctrine has the potential to spread beyond the scope of communications, threatening our freedoms.

Hey everyone look for this to be a reality in the near future. With the new administration in the white house, we will see this come to pass mark my word.

2009-01-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone. I will get right to the point. Over the last few days a couple of thoughts have surfaced. The question: how can we as Christians show love and compassion to a world that does not share the same values?

The answer is in two words; Christian and love. Look at the first six letters of Christian - you will see Christ. In Ephesians5:1-2 it says we must "be imitators of God, as beloved children;and walk in love, just as Christ loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma." This means that we must do what Christ did and forget about our differences and just preach Christ. Put aside our own thoughts and feelings and spread the word of love.

Read John 3, so we don't forget why we are His.

God Bless,
Carl

A Call To The Conservative American

2008-12-30T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hello to all. The topic of this post is one of great concern to me. I will start by saying it is good to be an American. With that being said, there seems to be a great deal of misunderstanding regarding Conservative thoughts and ideas, in relationship to our immigrant population.

One of the first things people must remember is that this great country was founded and built by immigrants. The vast majority of those who live here are the children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren of immigrants. No matter which way you look at this topic, most of us are related to immigrants. You can see the theme of this post. If you can't, read this paragraph one more time.

Secondly, to understand the conservative mind set regarding this issue, one must look at the reason people come to this country. It is not because they want to involuntarily give up their belongings or services. No. It is because they want to start a new life. If you take a look at the people who are coming to this country, you will find that most of them come from either failed or oppressive governments. I believe people want to be free. Conservatives have the same mindset that immigrants have in that we want freedom for all people,especially those who want it.

The people who come to America are looking for freedom; with the hope of a new life of fulfillment. True liberty is won with the price of blood, sweat, tears, and hard work.
The entire conservative ideology is to empower people to free minds, and have independent thoughts, ideas and fight for freedom.

Conservatives welcome any and all people who wish to come to America. There are a few things we ask of you. They are as follows: first, respect our laws; show that you care and are willing to do what is necessary to add to the collective good of this country.

Secondly, make a good attempt to learn as much of your new language as you can, so to ensure your success and safety and that of those around you.

Next, remember that doing these things does not mean that you are turning your back on past life, but by combining the old with the new, you are becoming stronger.
That doesn't mean transplanting your old life, neither does it mean forgetting where you came from.
Whether your family has been in the U.S. a year or two hundred years isn't the point. The point is, assuming you have followed the laws to get here, we are American before anything and in my view only Americans.

In closing, remember where you come from, but remember who you are now(American). God Bless.

How wonderful is The Word Of The Lord

2008-12-30T10:45:00.000-08:00

This morning I was making breakfast while my family was asleep and the word of the Lord was in my mind. Psalm 104, Starts by speaking of Gods majesty and splendor. This passage paints a picture of God that can't be spoken of anyone else in known history. Psalm 104:8-9 are just two of the verses in this passage that impress me. It is an encouraging thought that God not man has control over all the thing of this earth.

When you read this page understand that my goal is not to wow you with my vast knowledge of the word of God, but to show God's love and give you a little of what God has blessed me with. May the Lord keep you and love you all the days of your life.

The word of God

2008-12-29T15:39:00.001-08:00

The verses I am going share with you are from the NAS Bible. I don't believe in the idea that one bible is from God and the others are not, but since I use this translation I will refer to it in my postings. My hope to all of you who read them is that you will be blessed and God will speak to all of you.

In Psalm 33:6, King David speaks of God's great power in the role in creating the heavens. How many of us can say we have done such things? Not one person on earth can. Praise be to God.

I will leave you with this thought: in verses 18-22 of Psalm 33, God has a promise for his faithful; read it and be blessed. Be strong in the faith and seek God in all things.