Double Trouble

At the very same time we are battling out Senate Bill 1 dealing with Grassroots Lobbying, Congressmen Dennis Kuchinich has announced that he is going to hold hearings in order to bring back the Fairness Doctrine.  This repudiated doctrine was in existence until 1987.  Although the idea of "fairness" sounds palatable, in reality it is an attempt to muzzle and silence talk radio and other outlets.  Anytime a controversial issue is presented, the government would require a competing view to be put forward.

Last night in the Senate on a procedural move, we were able to avoid the vote on Senate Bill 1.  It is likely to come up again in the next few days.  There is also talk in the House of Representatives about introducing companion legislation.  Couple the Grassroots Lobbying definitions with the Fairness Doctrine and you have double trouble.  In essence, large organizations, churches and others that address social issues would be required to register as grassroots lobbyists.  At the same time, talk radio would no longer be able to fully communicate because of the new censorship rules of the FCC.  Our Governmental Affairs and legal staffs are working on this in our Washington, D.C. office.  We will keep everyone posted.