Posted on 02/28/2009 4:18:18 PM PST by Delacon
It was an important and impressive vote in the Senate. By a vote of 87-11, the Senate approved an amendment by Senator Jim DeMint which prohibits the FCC from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine and requiring broadcasters - including Christian broadcasters - always air both sides of a controversial issue.
While this is an important victory, it is Round One. Also in the Senate yesterday, an amendment by Senator Dick Durbin was approved by a much closer vote, 57-41 - an amendment that attempts to promote 'diversity' in media ownership.
That amendment is still of concern to those who support broadcast freedom - including Sen. DeMint. Here's what he told reporters about the Durbin amendment.
"Senator Durbin’s amendment exposed Democrat intentions to impose radio censorship through the back door, using vague regulations dealing with media ownership. Senator Durbin’s language was so broad, it could apply beyond radio to television, newspapers and the Internet. All eyes are now on the FCC. If they attempt to shut down free speech indirectly, we will fight to stop them."
He is absolutely correct. The focus must remain on the FCC and while we're very pleased with this tremendous victory in the Senate prohibiting the return of the Fairness Doctrine, we are still monitoring the situation very closely.
Now, the legislative process moves forward. The House of Representatives will get its turn at the bill, after which a House/Senate conference committee will be responsible for ironing out the differences in the two bills. After this is complete, President Obama will sign it into law.
I have instructed our legislative and legal teams to continue to engage this issue - to ensure that the victory we have realized in the Senate with the approval of the DeMint amendment is carried forward. And I want to thank you for standing with us and signing on to our petition urging the protection of broadcaster freedom. Yes, there are likely more battles ahead, but this is an important win in Round One.
We will keep you posted as developments unfold. We'll post updated information here and of course you can always get the latest on our daily radio broadcast, Jay Sekulow Live!
ping
The ACLJ is a top-quality organization. Jay Sekulow is an outstanding leader.
I agree with your opinion of the ACLJ and Jay Sekulow.
I was just wondering, does Sekulow and the ACLJ still have
a connection to Pat Robertson?
Robertson has given obama and his administration some
strange compliments here of late and I can’t help but think
that Robertson’s soft spot for obama might in some way
influence thr ACLJ if they are still connected with his
organization.
Maybe it has occurred to liberals that they would have to air far right opinions on their shows as well and seeing as how there are more left liberal shows than there are far right stations, you’d think they would all vote against that intrusion into their air space. But then whoever gave liberals credit for clear thinking anyway...
BUMP! DeMint is a prince among thieves. God bless ‘im!
In the battle over governmental control of our freedoms, liberals win every time because liberals tend to be for increased control so government is on their side. Ipso facto, if there is an increased control of freedom of speech, you can be sure that it will fashioned to help them, not hurt them.
I was not aware of any connection between ACLJ and Robertson. Sekulow knows the Constitution and is well aware when the left is tramping on the Bill of Rights-—including areas of religious freedom. I think that is what drives him the most.
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