Letter – Fairness Doctrine a perverse idea

Talk about it

To the editor:

In the last Super Bowl, the video replay option to question a referee’s call was used a few times. I think both the Steelers and Cardinals would agree that a recalled touchdown had an effect on the game. It is wise for both sides to know that they will be at least heard and that a poor call could be overturned.

Imagine a sporting event where the referees are always biased in favor of one side and an opposing view is not only ignored but prevented. The fact that the same favored side always won would be of no surprise.

A perverse idea is being batted around Congress these days. It is euphemistically called the “Fairness Doctrine.” In a nutshell, it is aimed at conservative talk radio. It is a plan to quiet or silence this voice by imposing new standards based on what the biased “referees” in Washington feel is fair.

I submit that the liberal side already has most of the news media under its control or influence. In fact the only reason conservative talk radio is attacked is that it is the only area of media not under liberal control or influence. (Conveniently, newspapers are exempt from this doctrine.) If I want to read the liberal view, all I need to do is pick up any major newspaper. If I want a liberal view on TV all I have to do is tune in to CNN, NBC, CBS, NPR, or other similar networks.

There needs to be an opportunity for an opposing view. The answer is to have both sides of an issue presented. The only problem with the Fairness Doctrine is that we are all supposed to worship in one way, the liberal way. And that is a BIG problem.

Allen Wold

Wheaton, MN

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