 |
| The Senator Speaks for Herself |
UPDATE: We have been reminded that Senator Stabenow's husband, Thomas Athans, is the co-founder of the liberal TalkUSA Radio network and is now the Executive Vice-President of liberal Air America. Liberal talk radio has of course failed miserably every time it has been tried, all the while watching it's conservative counterpart's success soar.
Which might lead one to believe that Senator Stabenow, in addition to her zealous will to slam the fist of government down upon her opponents, has some business skin in the game as well. If you can't beat 'em, censor 'em.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael Calderone in today's Politico reports on the latest liberal politician -- Michigan Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow -- openly touting their intent to silence their talk radio opposition with a reinstitution of the Fairness Doctrine.
"Whether it’s called the Fairness Standard (sic), whether it’s called something else – I absolutely think it’s time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves."
Senator Stabenow was speaking on the air with liberal talk radio host Bill Press and to his eleven listeners nationwide. She insisted that she "think(s) it’s absolutely time to pass a standard" and indicated she had "already had some discussions with colleagues" about Fairness "Standard" hearings and that she "feel(s) like that’s gonna happen. Yep."
Mr. Calderone delivers us the exchange (audio here):
BILL 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?
SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI): 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.
BILL 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?
SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI): I have already had some discussions with colleagues and, you know, I feel like that’s gonna happen. Yep.
They's a-coming, in some form or fashion, whether it's the Fairness Doctrine, the Fairness Standard, localism or minority ownership. No matter how they intend to travel, the destination remains the same: silencing conservative talk radio.
We have no problem at all with Bill Press speaking as freely and as often as he likes, unimpeded by crushing government regulation. We wish only that he and his fellow censors, like Senator Stabenow, would return the favor.
—Seton Motley is Director of Communications for the Media Research Center and Contributing Editor for NewsBusters.org.
Editor at Large
Comments Policy
What's next,
February 5, 2009 - 13:51 ET by Chris NormanWhat's next, "accountability" in Free Speech? There's a cold wind blowing...
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
What's next
February 5, 2009 - 14:43 ET by 10ksnookerCommunism. As the Soviets discovered, doesn't go well with free speech.
Fairness Doctrine=Police State
February 5, 2009 - 20:37 ET by TailgunnerAnd here we meet one of the Brownshirts.
Liberals aren't even trying to pretend anymore. They openly call to silence conservative opposition.
We can only speculate how much further they're willing to go to eliminate opposition altogether.
The Second Amendment, next?
NOLI PUGNARE ME OCCIDERE
Seton... I really cannot
February 5, 2009 - 13:57 ET by bigtimerSeton...
I really cannot add much more than you did regarding your last two paragraphs.
I've posed about this until I'm blue in the face links and all that I keep up with too.
It is more than infuriating, let alone more than hypocritical when Press is using the same venue he wants to shut down to the conservatives...tehy cannot stand it that they are losers on the airwaves, in fact bankrupt most times, while conservative capitalists make money and have millions of listners...so the Marxists must silence them.
The fight marches on...and our voices will be heard loud and clear like they've never heard if the enemy within attempt to cram this down our throats too.
Free Speech is a middle of the road issue
February 5, 2009 - 13:58 ET by Lord ErondI dare them to do this. They won't because the result will end up with Barack along with most of the Senate and House being voted out. Not just conservatives but a fair number of independents would be against this type of censorship. And if it does happen, my vote goes to the first person to repeal it.
"What you can not enforce, do not command" -Sophocles-
Our new President says we must step up
February 5, 2009 - 13:58 ET by SickofLibsSenator Doublewide, why is it that only radio 'airwaves' must be accountable, and not TV 'airwaves'?
Sounds like very transparent airwave discrimination.
OK
February 5, 2009 - 15:42 ET by 10ksnookerOK I am going to have to take you in for baiting the witness -- LOL.
It's like a landslide of
February 5, 2009 - 13:59 ET by SeftonIt's like a landslide of liberal idealism coming down the mountain. The "we won" agenda, in their own minds, gives them a mandate to push forward with the socialist/communist policies that they've been wanting for so long.
The "Change" mantra means exactly what they've been dreaming for; the total trashing of our current Constitution and form of government.
"I absolutely think it’s
February 5, 2009 - 14:01 ET by kg"I absolutely think it’s time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves."
That goes DOUBLE for television.
"Forget change, I want improvement!"
Michigan Leadership
February 5, 2009 - 14:02 ET by GoodieMichigan like CA is in deep economic trouble along with unemployment and the Auto industry, so why is this Senator crying about fairness on the airwaves? MI, you people need to revolt against these politicans whom are NOT doing their job(s).
O's last day 1-20-2013
Im from Michigan and
February 5, 2009 - 14:16 ET by dark_dsIm from Michigan and couldnt agree more .. Stabenow has a few more pressing issues to be concentrating on rather then worrying about radio being fair .....GRRR
Water Boarding is illegal but Koolaid Boarding is still an option... dark_ds said that
I just emailed Stabenow
February 5, 2009 - 14:30 ET by dark_dsI just emailed Stabenow... I urge you all to do tha same .. let her know when she talks we notice and we dont like it.
Water Boarding is illegal but Koolaid Boarding is still an option... dark_ds said that
i think
February 5, 2009 - 14:06 ET by ronit's time to call my senators
What to do?
February 5, 2009 - 14:07 ET by BO STINKSIs there anything we can do anymore? I feel so helpless re: the political process. Am praying more than I have every prayed in my life!
"If your cause is just, if your principles are pure & if your conduct is prudent you need not fear the multitude of opposing hosts." John Witherspoon
Bill Press is too stupid
February 5, 2009 - 14:10 ET by ricklailBill Press is too stupid not to realize that if Rush is huhsed so is he. Stations won't be putting on money losing leftist shows either. I see where a station in Miami is changing over to sports talk because leftist radio is losing money. They can' compete with the station that carries Rush and Sean.
Ricky Joe the Plumber
Great post, Rick
February 5, 2009 - 14:40 ET by LionKingYou could have just stopped with "Bill Press is too stupid!"
Meltdown
February 5, 2009 - 14:12 ET by nkviking75Unlike the last time the Fairness Doctrine was imposed, this time there is a very large, very powerful group of radio talk show hosts and talk stations who can motivate their audiences to rise up against this naked censorship. The Capitol Hill switchboard will melt down.
These incompetents don't know what they're getting into.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
nk... I'm not so sure it
February 5, 2009 - 14:16 ET by bigtimernk...
I'm not so sure it would be just the switchboards on Capitol Hill that would be melting down...I think masses of people will take to the streets right up to Capitol Hill if this happened.
Berlin Wall
February 5, 2009 - 14:16 ET by jed58Will never forget the first day I came upon Rush on the radio soon after the end of the "fairness doctrine" It is as close as I will ever get to seeing a freedom after the Berlin Wall came down.....Hey stupid, do you think you can build the wall again without a fight? Forget pitchforks, I am loaded with firearms and not afraid to use them.
Senator Babushka
February 5, 2009 - 14:17 ET by Mr. TerryWho is this parrot? Will she force the party line down her constutuant's throats? Now we can see where everyone really stands as they go public while its popular.
A communist is a socialist with a gun. Liberals are forcing unconsitutional policies upon us. Now that its too late everyone is complaining about it. IF you voted for the Dims, you get what you pay for.
Senator Stabenow is dangerous
February 5, 2009 - 14:18 ET by R D HelmThe people of Michigan, if they truly care about our freedom here in America, need to recall her immediately.
No one this profoundly ignorant should ever hold a position of power in government.
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
This is becoming quite
February 5, 2009 - 16:59 ET by choselife3xThis is becoming quite frightening. I wonder which country will invade us first when the Dems drive our country into the ground? Do think the Mexicans will leave?
*laughing* that would be funny...
You are an angry person.
-Queen Mum (Who knew she was funny? I didn't)
In order to be pro-choice, one must first be born. Ah, the irony.
Can someone explain to me
February 5, 2009 - 14:21 ET by katiejanewhat is preventing liberal pundits from having their own radio programs where they can espouse whatever their version of the truth is?
Do talk radio stations refuse to program liberals hosts? Or is it that liberals hosts don't have any audience and therefore can't sustain their programs thry advertising? Gee - too bad about the fact that few are interested in hearing them.
Well, no
February 5, 2009 - 14:33 ET by general companyOther then an audience?
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
Liberal radio is a losing
February 5, 2009 - 14:36 ET by ricklailLiberal radio is a losing propostion. I posted earlier about the station in Miami that is going to sports talk because it was losing money from it's leftist format. All they have to do is tune to PBS to get their daily dose of leftist BS. And we are paying for it.
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. Ronald Reagan
Whats interesting is, their
February 5, 2009 - 16:09 ET by ChadWhats interesting is, their message is typically so bitter and foul even their own kind cannot stomach it.
~Chad
Cincinnati, OH
Ummmmm....nothing except they might as well whistle in the wind.
February 5, 2009 - 15:57 ET by 5kidsnadogLiberal radio has not done well when it has been tried. In fact, I just read about a little station called Obama 1260 in Washington DC that just gave up on it's liberal format because their ratins "were not measurable" after the election. Owner of the Washington Redskins Dan Snyder also owns this station and has changed the format to financials.
Wanna know why? Liberals. don't. LISTEN. To. Any. Thing.
OK, let's have the Fairness Doctrine....
February 5, 2009 - 14:23 ET by Prester John....for all "public" airwaves.
You have now included the 3 broadcast TV networks as well as PBS.
Does the Left really want to give up their virtual monopoly on television news, which of course is where the proletariat receives its indoctrination, in order to take on Rush, Hannity, Laura, Levin et al?
I don't think they do.
The question is of course will the Congress and courts have enough sense to say that you can't have "fairness" on the radio unless you have it on TV also.
Slippery slope
February 5, 2009 - 14:38 ET by LionKingMy concern is that the next arena to be regulated will be the internet. Big Brother will want to regulate content.
LK... Me too. Here is
February 5, 2009 - 15:30 ET by bigtimerLK...
Me too.
Here is an interesting article...McDowell mentions this also, I think it was towards the end.
http://www.multichannel.com/article/162933-Citing_Obama_Opposition_McDowell_Warns_Against_Fairness_Doctrine.php
Interesting
February 5, 2009 - 14:39 ET by mwbriStabenow's husband apparently is the president of Air America.
mw.... A case of follow
February 5, 2009 - 15:24 ET by bigtimermw....
A case of follow the $$$...eh?
I didn't know about this, but I did know he is very wealthy, haven't followed much about him since their marriage, some a little before that too.
If this is so, (do you have a link handy?) wouldn't this be a conflict of interest...
Oops wait a minute...they're leftists, it's okay.
Nevertheless...this has been in the works for a long time, others would lead, plenty of others.
this woman and her flipcharts
February 5, 2009 - 14:43 ET by katainkentjust got done completely and innacurately portraying this Porkasaurus as the single most important thing that has to be done to save the country.
I say we start with holding HER accountable.
These people wouldn't know accountability if it came up and poked them straight in the eye. They have completely forgotten that what they are supposed to be doing is working for US, not themselves.
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing. -Edmund Burke
Spineless Cowards
February 5, 2009 - 14:49 ET by centurion2674I'm so sick of these morons! They're ideals can't hold up to real debate, so they have to silence the opposing view.
Also, here's another lefitst nut who's accusing the Right with what the Left is guilty of. Talk radio already has more "accountability" from it's listeners than any of the spewing idiots on the socialist cable news stations!
How might they react...
February 5, 2009 - 15:24 ET by unkeeafHow might they react if 10 million of us showed up on the DC mall? We need to start organizing just such a march RIGHT NOW.
MSM = PR firm for the Democrat Party
I have pictured just such an occasion in my head for the
February 5, 2009 - 15:52 ET by 5kidsnadoglast several months. I am a Mom (of 5, obviously), and maybe because I'm home all day with an unrulely pre-schooler all day, I hear Dr. Seuss in my head quite often. I feel like the Who's on that small speck of dust that Horton protected -- WE ARE HERE! I have never felt so underrepresented by my elected officials than I do today. I say let's all show up and just watch them as they enter the Capital every day. Let them know that WE ARE HERE and that we are done with this crap.
Ms. Stabenow is my Senator (although I wish there was a provision when your own Senator didn't represent you that you could adopt one from another state). I have written her several times in the not too distant past and never get anywhere with her. When I ask her about FOCA, she answers that she will act on the behalf of "women's health". What does that mean? I don't think abortion is healthy, I don't think teenagers are women, so does that mean she'll keep teenagers from having abortions? I doubt it.
Anyhoo, just thought I would mention that Ms. Stabenow seems to have a little conflict of interest here. Her husband is quite the left wing talk radio guy. Check out his wiki entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Athans
This guy is just steeped in failed lefty talk radio. Add to that, his little penchant for prostitutes:
http://www.wxyz.com/news/story/Stabenows-Husband-in-Prostitution-Bust/lglcv04t20ij1aYfyRfpNQ.cspx
I think Ms. Stabenow ought to butt out where she personally stands to benefit financially. Or maybe not? Are they going to say that only conservatives speech should be limited??? Also, as a Senator, don't they swear to uphold the Constitution? I thought we already established that the "Fairness Doctrine" didn't pass Constitutional muster?
How might they react?
February 5, 2009 - 18:31 ET by sherylsimsFirst of all, the media would completely ignore it, or at least totally underplay it. Second of all it would be played off as just another bunch of disgruntled idiots who don't really know what is best for them because they listen to talk radio.
Also, the people who are most likely to be willing to go have jobs (hopefully) and wouldn't be able to take off work to go all the way across the country to protest, and if they don't have jobs they wouldn't have the money to travel.
I have thought of this quite often. There must be a better way to get their attention than planning a mass protest. It would in no way show the magnitude of our discontent. I think Glen Beck is doing something with pictures that people are e-mailing him, but I am not sure what it is.
On a final note, if you do plan the mass protest, I will join it.
How many radio stations are there?
February 5, 2009 - 15:45 ET by 10ksnookerDon't the liberals think that maybe they should be able to use one of those? Locally we have only 2 stations out of the dozens and dozens of radio stations that are available.
The first amendment is designed to protect the people against government and free political speech is the speech that is protected.
Ya know,
February 5, 2009 - 15:45 ET by Karinliberals love conservative talk radio, too. They love to get on and argue. Not all, but many dems would be mighty uncomfortable with silencing of speech. Not quite the change they had in mind. Not that I like paying for PBS, but as a conservative, if anybody attempted to ban liberal speech, I would argue very angrily against that.
Anyway, any senator who has America's Ashtray (Detroit) under her bailywick has bigger fish to fry. All Michiganders on these blogs, clog her phone and email box!
Oh man, Sean is on a rant
February 5, 2009 - 15:51 ET by Prester JohnHe's calling out Stabenow to co-host his show for an afternoon is also calling her office.
Hilarious.
From Wiki: [edit]
February 5, 2009 - 15:56 ET by scootr29From Wiki:
[edit] Personal life
Stabenow was first married to Dennis Stabenow; the couple divorced in 1990. They have two children, Michelle and Todd.
In 2003, Stabenow married Tom Athans, now the executive vice president of Air America. By this marriage, she has a stepdaughter, Gina. On April 2, 2008, the Detroit Free Press reported that Athans had been implicated in a prostitution sting.[5] Stabenow released a statement saying "This is very disturbing and serious. Obviously it's a deeply difficult and personal matter."[6]
She belongs to the Grace United Methodist Church.
Stabenow, super genius!!!!
February 5, 2009 - 16:10 ET by Roscoe MendagoNot only would the imposition of the "fairness doctrine" remove conservative voices from the conversation but destroy an industry. Wouldn't talk radio simply shut down, jobs would be lost, who would listen to the alternative? Are the insecure Democrats prepared to deal with another failing industry brought about by their own whacked-out manipulations? Like with the auto industry: enviro-social- compassionate-brain dead, leftist politicians screwing things-up, cost jobs.
Someone explain to me....
February 5, 2009 - 16:18 ET by Prester John...what the heck does "hold them accountable" mean?
I thought the idea was to somehow have equal time for opposing points of view. Fine, nice concept.
But what does that have to do with "accountability"?
Unless it is slander or libel, what is there to be held accountable for? Not bowing at the altar of Obama and socialism?
Scary stuff.
I want a hearing as to
February 5, 2009 - 16:19 ET by RD Kingthe senators accountability is she sane or just an empty suit airhead like obama?
Now you know why our founders created the Bill of Rights...
February 5, 2009 - 16:44 ET by R D Helm...and specifically the 2nd Amendment.
Somebody needs to supply this woman with a copy of the Constitution. I don't think she has ever read it.
-Dave
Our clueless political leaders are about to drive us all over a cliff. The time to HITM is now-before we go over.
Love the photo and
February 5, 2009 - 16:36 ET by TruthMattersLove the photo and caption!
...Love it!
Most Americans won't
February 5, 2009 - 17:03 ET by RR GOPMost Americans won't care. It doesn't affect them economically or personally. Most don't listen to talk radio, and if they do most will just shrug their shoulders.
Millions of the people who voted for Senator Present will be mystified as to why the price of their cigs went up so much suddenly.
Clueless....
One of the 24% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 89% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
"fairness doctrine"
February 5, 2009 - 17:15 ET by EugeniaSo Stabenow has no problem with my exercising a so-called right to choose to kill my baby, but has a problem with my right to choose to listen to free-market conservative radio?
I wouldn't sweat this.
February 5, 2009 - 18:23 ET by Jnoble..as much as some libs would love to shut down conservative talk radio with a Fairness Doctrine type law, it has ZERO chance of passing either the house or Senate even with a Dem majority. It would cause such a backlash of anger like the immigration bill did last year that voting for it would be political suicide.
Isn't Debbie's husband the same guy...
February 5, 2009 - 19:07 ET by P. Aaron...busted in Troy, MI a few months back soliciting and receiving the services of a prostitute? Thought so!
http://www.wxyz.com/news/story/Stabenows-Husband-in-Prostitution-Bust/lglcv04t20ij1aYfyRfpNQ.cspx
Yeah these folks are all about what's fair & just and Debbie ought to be paying attention to things a bit closer to home eh?
If comunism is such a great idea, why didn't they put up a picture window instead of an Iron Curtain?
P Aaeon...OMG! ROFL!I
February 5, 2009 - 19:09 ET by bigtimerP Aaron...
OMG! ROFL!
I had forgot all about that...so glad you remembered, how fitting eh?
Sadly....
February 5, 2009 - 19:32 ET by mbmonahan....this will be what does it for me and millions of others. My torch and pitchfork will be at the ready.
For what it's worth......
February 5, 2009 - 20:05 ET by mbmonahan.....first time I've ever emailed a public official.
Dear Senator Stabenow, Upon reading of your intentions to re-institute the so-called "Fairness Doctrine", may I remind you that the most important tenet of our Constitution is our freedom of speech. Trying to silence differing views is not only "un-American", but it is a violation of your vow to uphold the Constitution. If this is allowed to proceed, I, along with millions of other Americans, will be asking for your immediate resignation.
Respectfully, XXXX XXXXXX
Impeaching members of Congress
February 5, 2009 - 20:20 ET by Sergeant ROCKWouldn't that be grounds for impeachment?
Bolton/KEYES 2012
Rock.... Not if they have
February 5, 2009 - 20:25 ET by bigtimerRock....
Not if they have a 'D' behind their name.
Where's Orwell When You Need Him?
February 5, 2009 - 21:10 ET by Blue Collar ToddIt seems that Liberals have forgotten Orwell's warnings about seeking totalitarian control over the people. I wonder how many of us are going to "thought criminals"? And remember, everything is upside down under the Liberal world view, so freedom is slavery. The fairness doctrine is really going to bring about the liberation of the radio waves.
Well, the caption, along
February 6, 2009 - 12:18 ET by semolina_filcherWell, the caption, along with the photo, truly captures the embodiment of Ms. Stebanow, the erstwhale, err, I mean erstwhile incompetent senator from Michigan.
Bringing back Fairness Doctrine could open a can of worms
February 6, 2009 - 12:52 ET by IndyAdamDoes the FD only deal with "radio"? If so, why?
If the FD calls for equal time, wouldn't all the radio stations have to do is hire other conservatives and label them as liberal? After all, is this not what the MSM TV/cable stations do?
fairness doctrine
February 6, 2009 - 17:22 ET by charlietexasIf they start with gagging talk radio....this republican will march, I will stop paying taxes, I will riot if I have to. that will be the last straw. Usually, we just talk and give money to parties and causes. I will be a part of one. That is when the country will no longer believe in its principles. The US will no longer be the same.