Aug 13 2008
Sheila Jackson Lee Receives National Attention Once Again
A Great Summation of America Today
In his article, Professor Mike Adams refers to Bernie Goldberg’s book; “100 People Who Are Screwing Up America”. He is not picking on any minority but all minorities. It seems today everyone is in a minority group, the elderly, the not quite elderly (over 40), the jews, the blacks, the hispanics, the illegal Mexicans, the Asians, the disabled or physically challenged, the less fortunate by birth, and on and on:
Without question, the best of those essays is one called;
“I’m offended, therefore I am.”
I agree with Goldberg’s suggestion that our new national motto should be “What’s in it for me?” I also like that he recognizes that self-pity is at the core of identity politics, which has produced a nation in which the majority of Americans now proudly boast that they are in some way “disadvantaged.” He also recognizes that this is a transparent effort to compete for advantages unavailable to the minority of Americans who are “advantaged.”
Fortunately not only in their first 100 hours but in the entire 2 year session so far congress hasn’t accomplished much more than to officially honor some outstanding individuals.
Liberals: Governing from the Middle–of Nowhere
Promising a more “moderate” approach, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) are continuing to spin the Democrats’ extreme social makeover. Today’s edition of The New York Times quotes several liberals who insist that while in power, their party will work to find common ground on issues as divisive as abortion and homosexuality. Judging by their first “100 Hours,” the only thing liberals have managed to compromise on is principle. Thus far, they have passed or introduced bills that would expand funds for research that destroys human embryos, stifle grassroots organizations through lobbying reform, and police individuals’ thoughts in revised “hate crimes” legislation. If this is what it means to govern from the middle, then I would hate to see them lead from the Left.
The common goal of the new Congress is not compromise, but a concentrated effort to silence conservatives. In the Senate, Democrats pounced on lobbying reform, which, if not amended, would subject groups like FRC (Family Research Council) to reporting requirements that would limit the timeliness of our efforts to educate voters.
On January 5, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) introduced a “hate crimes” bill that would create additional penalties for felonies committed because of the victims’ “perceived or actual” identity, such as sexual orientation, gender, or disability. Instead of punishing people solely for their actions, law enforcers would be asked to determine any bias the offender had toward “a protected class” before the crime occurred. The bill also leaves the country vulnerable to the government’s definition of “hate,” which is bound to be both vague and whatever is in vogue. Contrary to what liberals claim, the result wouldn’t end discrimination or promote tolerance but suffocate the right of free speech, a seemingly common goal of the new leadership.
Over the weekend, the National Conference for Media Reform talked openly about reviving the failed “Fairness Doctrine,” which would require broadcasters to present controversial topics in a “balanced and honest” manner. It was a policy first introduced in 1949 and overturned in 1987 because it was too difficult to enforce. These days, with the proliferation of the internet and bloggers, it is impossible to monopolize the media with any one viewpoint. Resurrecting the Fairness Doctrine would only give the FCC license to intimidate and silence political opposition–a trend the Democrats seem all too willing to accommodate.
Is it “Fairness” when a TV show host attracts sponsor to pay for advertising time because they like the shows format, topics and guests, then without invitation someone with an opposing opinion is required to be given free airtime. What is fair about that. Let the holder of the differing opinion buy airtime or find a sponsor.
