Is The Freedom to speak fair?

There was a time when political speech on television required opposing views to be heard. If you have a political viewpoint, then the station had to provide an opposing viewpoint. The principle was called the fairness doctrine. This doctrine also held that local stations had to provide local access to citizens and limited ownership by the print media to own television stations in one market for fear that if a company owned both it would then control the ability of citizens to hear the truth.

Unfortunately, President Clinton, under pressure by the Republicans who had control of both houses of government signed a bill repealing the "fairness doctrine". This gave rise to control of the airwaves by the right wingnuts like Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly. It also gave birth to FOX News, a so called news network with an obvious right leaning slant. This network can provide a strong right wing point of view without fear of having to provide an equal voice to the other side.

Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, Sean Hannity and the Bill O'Reilly's of the world can spew any myth, lie, hatred or inciteful message without fear of retribution or opposing view. Since the 1990's repeal of the "doctrine", the vitriol has gotten worse and I believe it is solely responsible for the polarization of the electorate.

For example, when Glenn Beck goes on his show he goes to a white board, writes words on a board--links them together and without any evidence, just decides that they all point to socialism and our current President. There's no evidence or supporting facts to backup his claims due to the fact that there is no fairness doctrine anymore and since he is not accountable to anyone he doesn't have to worry about providing the opposing view a platform.

Beck just recently tied Van Jones, FDR and other Democrats to communism--again no evidence just his unchecked opinion. Jones, who is well known for his work with people around the country-- helping the unemployed, the less powerful and communities in states all over. His pet project has been to help create green jobs.

Somehow, Beck decided that Van Jones work was not noble and his efforts to help get the green economy going was not to his liking. So, he smeared him. True, Van Jones signed onto a "truther" petition. Jones made a mistake in penning his name to it but it doesn't diminish his continuing work and dedication to help Americans.

Of course Beck and others like him don't much care--because their agenda is to destroy liberals--not just the good ones but even the great ones like President Obama. Maybe the Fairness Doctrine will not come back but if something isn't done to hold these right wing spouters of misinformation accountable...the result will not be something we want to witness. It's time to hold them responsible for their rantings.

Maybe we need to bring back fairness and accountability to the media again...before it is too late.

Tomorrow: It's time