http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/10/palin-fears-med.html
"If [the media] convince enough voters that that is negative campaigning, for me to call Barack Obama out on his associations," Palin told host Chris Plante, "then I don't know what the future of our country would be in terms of First Amendment rights and our ability to ask questions without fear of attacks by the mainstream media."
One of the stupidest things I have heard her say. So far. Today.
The Constitution and the First Amendment are actually neutral on such matters of "propaganda", "fairness", and "negative campaigning". We would do well to remember this when some try to censor speech because it is "propaganda" or "negative", or impose the government's standard of "fair speech" on the free press.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely.
ReplyDeleteI have always believed in Alan Dershowitz' theory that the remedy for hateful speech is not speech codes, but instead more speech.
Palin objecting to her accusations being questioned is just silliness.
It ranks up there with Roger Clinton saying that criticism of Bill should be outlawed. Or even worse, Nancy Pelosi's intent to censor AM talk radio because many of the hosts criticize her.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the fairness doctrine is probably a stupid idea. In the age of the Internet, there is no shortage of viewpoints anymore.
ReplyDeleteBut I don't think it's the same thing at all.
Palin is blatantly hypocritical-tarring Obama with the PLO brush when a McCain led group gave the SAME PERSON almost $500,000. And then, when this is pointed out, whining about her freedoms being stepped on.
That's silly.
The "fairness doctrine" had no place at any time. It violates the heart and intent of the First Amendment that the government should control the press so only government-approved content is expressed. Imposition of the government's idea of what is fair.
ReplyDeleteThis guy said it best:
"Precisely because radio and TV have become our principal sources of news and information, we should accord broadcasters the utmost freedom in order to insure a truly free press." (Mario Cuomo, "The Unfairness Doctrine," The New York Times, September 20, 1993, p. A19.)