February 26, 2009

The Senate just voted 87-11 in favor of the following amendment put forward by Republican Senator Jim DeMint. It is worded like this:

"To prevent the Federal Communications Commission from repromulgating the Fairness Doctrine."

Cased closed right? Umm, not really The Senate also voted for Democratic Leader Dick Durbin's amendment 57-41 which states the following:

"To encourage and promote diversity in communication media ownership, and to ensure that the pubic airwaves are used in the public interest."

Wesley Denton, spokesman for Senator DeMint tells The Brody File the following:

"Senator DeMint's amendment slams the front door shut on the Fairness Doctrine for good. Its an important victory for free speech, and forced many Democrats to reverse their previous support of radio censorship. But Durbin's amendment exposes Democrat attempts to open the back door to regulating the airwaves. His amendment forces the FCC to impose "diversity" in communications media ownership, a clear attempt to dismantle successful syndicated radio programs. The fight goes on to protect free speech on the airwaves."

Indeed, the fight goes on. Don't think for a minute some within the Democratic Party wouldn't love to see the Fairness Doctrine take shape in some sort of way. That's no secret. Senators like Tom Harkin, Debbie Stabenow and others have said so. I think it's fair to say that The Fairness Doctrine in its purest state is history for now but conservatives won't sleep well at night until they are in the majority.