Sunday, February 8, 2009

Sen. Debbie Stabenow Wants Fairness Doctrine For Fun And Profit!
  Progressivism piece by Dave Gibson

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) recently stated publicly that she wants the Fairness Doctrine re-instituted and impose certain “standards” on conservative talk radio. However, her desire to censor hosts such as Sean Hannity and Rush Limbaugh go beyond any ideological need the liberal Democrat may have to bring Stalinism to the United States.

A few days ago, Sen. Stabenow appeared as a guest on Bill Press’ show, the two were bemoaning the end of Obama 1260, a Washington D.C. radio station which adopted its name during the 2008 Presidential campaign. The station featured the syndicated broadcasts of liberal talkers Ed Schultz, Stephanie Miller, Rachel Maddow, as well as Bill Press. The station is switching to a financial news format.

What follows is a portion of the exchange between Press and Stabenow:

Press: “Yeah, I mean, look: They have a right to say that. They’ve got a right to express that. But, they should not be the only voices heard. So, is it time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine?”

Sen. Stabenow: “I think it’s absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it’s called the Fairness Standard, whether it’s called something else - I absolutely think it’s time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves. I mean, our new president has talked rightly about accountability and transparency. You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place.”

Press: “Can we count on you to push for some hearings in the United States Senate this year, to bring these owners in and hold them accountable?”

Sen. Stabenow: “I have already had some discussions with colleagues and, you know, I feel like that’s gonna happen. Yep.”

Left wing Democrats have been expressing their support for a return to the Fairness Doctrine for years. In fact House Majority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) have all announced their desire to censor conservative talk radio.

In October 2008, Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) joined his colleagues on the left, when doing a radio interview, he said: “I would want this station and all stations to have to present a balanced perspective and different points of view. All I’m saying is that for many, many years we operated under a Fairness Doctrine in this country, and I think the country was well served. I think the public discussion was at a higher level and more intelligent in those days than it has become since.”

So while Sen. Stabenow may not be alone in her desire to see talk radio be incorporated into the media wing of the Democrat Party, she may be the only one (or not?) who stands to personally profit from the move which would force the nation’s radio stations to give air time to liberal talkers.

During her interview with Bill Press, Sen. Stabenow failed to mention that she is married to Tom Athans, who just so happens to be a bit of a mogul in the liberal talk radio business.

Athans is the co-founder and former head of liberal radio networks Democracy Radio, as well as TalkUSA Radio. He is currently the executive vice-president of Air America, where he is tasked with developing new shows.

Of course, Sen. Stabenow may be worried about paying for her husband’s future legal bills. Last year the Detroit Free Press reported that on February, 26, 2008, Athans was stopped by Troy, Michigan police detectives, after having observed the Senator’s husband leaving the hotel room of a 20 year old prostitute.

Athans admitted to police that he had paid the woman $150 for sex, after discovering her services on the internet. He agreed to cooperate with police in their ongoing investigation of internet-based prostitution occurring in local hotels, and was ticketed for driving on a suspended license and released.

The good citizens of Michigan must be so proud!

Dave Gibson

Posted by Dave Gibson on 2/8/09

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