A vote of 309-115,,Republicans shut down the fairness doctrine, can they shut down the democrats now for good?

Question

The House voted overwhelmingly yesterday to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from using taxpayer dollars to impose the Fairness Doctrine on broadcasters who feature conservative radio hosts such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/house-votes--to-ban-fcc-on-fairness-2007-06-29.html

At the end of yesterday’s debate, Democratic House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (Wis.) agreed with Republicans that the government should not regulate conservative radio hosts such as Limbaugh and Hannity.

Answer 1

A number of Democrats had to cross over on this one. Remember, the Democrats have the majority in the House [and Senate for that matter]. Consequently, it may be more appropriate to say the Democrats shut down the fairness doctrine.

Imagine that, alleged liberals fighting for the right of purported conservatives to say bad things about them. That, is the American way--fighting for the Right of Free Speech.

Regarding your addition, I'll but Rush had to do a bit of celebrating on that! Just think, the "liberal left" preserved his Right to Free Speech, but I guess that is what "liberals" do. Remember, the principles of our current government derived from "liberal democracy."

Answer 2

Since there are only 140 republicans in congress how do you come to the opinion that republicans shut it down? It was bipartisan and the fairness doctrine will be used to attack conservatives, but it can be used to attack NPR and probably should be since it is financed by the taxpayer. How about a station that has a Christian show on Sunday morning. Shouldn't there be a Jewish show, or a muslim show, or a Buddist show? Do you understand how silly things can get when government begins to regulate things.

Answer 3

A, no one is seriously proposing re-instituting the fairness doctrine and B, the vote by itself is meaningless because it also has to be voted on by the senate.

From the article you linked to:
“Rush and Sean are just about as important in the scheme of things as Paris Hilton, and I would hate to see them gain an ounce of credibility by being forced by a government agency or anybody else to moderate their views enough that they might become modestly influential or respected.”
Democratic House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Obey (Wis.)

BTW, 309 votes in the house means there was substantial democratic support for the bill.

Answer 4

Shut down is not the best terminology. They prevented the far left from limiting our free speech. The name Fairness doctrine is a bit conceiving. It did nothing for fairness, but was an attempt to limit the freedoms we have as Americans enjoy in the freedom of speech. If you actually read the doctrine, you will notice it is almost communist in nature. People put nice or catchy names to a bill that really don't reflect the true meaning of the bill. Who would be in favor of the "gag order bill" or the "big brother must approve bill" if that is what it was named. That is a closer description of the proposed legislation than the "fairness doctrine" though.

Answer 5

How many of the 309 were democrats? Apparently, there are some democrats who still have integrity and believe in freedom of speech. Afterall, it's not the Republican's fault that the libs can't put together a better talk radio program than one which features Alec Baldwin, which lasted for all of what? A week? (I believe it was Alec Baldwin-I may be wrong)

Answer 6

According to this question...

There must be 309 Republicans and 115 Democrats in congress. Is that so? If not, then apparently some Democrats ALSO helped to shut down the so-called, Fairness Doctrine.

Talk about spin city.

Answer 7

309 votes requires a large number of Democrats as well. Republicans alone did not kill this bill.

With all the media options available, there is no need for government to impose the Fairness Doctrine. Everyone knows what Limbaugh's and Hannity's point of view is and what their shows are about. If you don't like it, change the channel.

Answer 8

Last time I checked, Democrats had control of the Senate. Besides, Limbaugh et al are entertainers, not newscasters. That's like trying to use the Fairness Doctrine on John Stewert.

Answer 9

Since the Democrats have a majority in Congress, I believe it was the Democrats who shut down the so called Fairness Doctrine, not the Republicans as you stated.
And now you want to shut down the Democrats for good.
For 6 years the Republicans ruled and what did it get us? Corruption, lies and secrecy, and you want to return to this and squelch all voices of opposition.

Answer 10

Not exactly... no laws were passed or proposed.... As it stands now the FCC has the authority to reinstate that limit on free speech. Be very afraid of your government's power.