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Nov. 28, 2005 It seems to me the media lobbying congress is a conflict of interests, as well as unconstitutional. First let’s examine what a lobbyist is, They’re usually Lawyers who beg barrow or steal, perhaps a better term would be bribe and extort their way into the congressional bureaucracy’s inner offices. Lobbying is perhaps the world’s third oldest profession. Lobbying is an essential unofficial arm of government. It allows special interest groups a voice that would otherwise be silent. Most of these groups have legitimate concerns that would otherwise not have the opportunity to be addressed. Like all influences of government some lobbyist are legitimate and have serious issues that need the attention of congress. Others are simply out to advance a cause regardless if it’s in the best interest of the majority. Normally I’m skeptical of but not apposed to Lobbyists. The media can’t stay unbiased and be lobbyists at he same time, its unnatural. Recently we’ve seen some shoddy journalism by some long respected media outlets. Now that the heat’s on journalist they’re asking congress for special legislation protecting them from libel law suites [ H.R.3323.] This bill if passed would allow more, not less irresponsible journalism. The News disseminators are pressuring congress for a bill that would virtually give them free a range to report anything they whished without fear of being held accountable. If the News Media are the watchdogs of congress then should they be allowed to presumably blackmail congress into signing a bill that truly violates the mandate of the fourth estate? That’s the tip of the iceberg, for 230 [plus] years there’s been no clear definition of who is and who isn’t a legitimate reporter of news. If this bill is passed as is it would omit Internet contributors and bloggers from being recognized as legitimate presenters of news. If internet contributors aren’t included in this bill America will lose an important source of factual information. It’s been the internet contributors and bloggers who’ve held the mainstream media accountable for keeping it real. The internet has a part to play and should be recognized along with the media. The internet is becoming the main source of news for many as apposed to print, visual and vocal media. The restraints if any should come from technology and competition not legislation. The internet’s being challenged from all sides. The UN and Europe want America to surrender the rights to issuing domain names to one or both of them. Congress is considering giving an edge to the national media. This is no less than censorship presented as something other then what it is, a way of limiting reporting of controversial congressional dealings. This isn’t a conspiracy theory, its’ fact. A shield law protecting reporters would violate the constitution. The constitution clearly states the government shall not become involved in mandating or restricting the press. A shield law would violate free speech if all media sources weren’t covered. If they’re all covered, there’s no purpose in a shield law. The media shield law is actually a Red Herring. Presumably, it’s intended to protect a reporters confidential sources. However that’s a short stroll to giving reporters total immunity from any accountability to the legal forces who’re charged with prosecuting those accused with committing crimes. If on the other hand a blogger were to rat_out a criminal the ACLU would be on them like ugly on a Duck. The last time I checked we’re all Americans subject to the same laws. There has been entirely too much hyphenating, first of the races, now congress is turning to the professions. It’s time for term limits for congress, 12 years and out. ------------ About the author: Ken Hughes joined the Republican Party at the age of three. He hid the fact from his Liberal Democratic family for the next eighteen years. When his political leanings were discovered he was immediately sent packing. Mr. Hughes life began on a ranch in Idaho 75 years ago. He’s traveled extensively to many countries of the world and five continents. He has a keen interest in people and politics. Mr. Hughes believes in the individual’s right to hold his or her own beliefs, his sole purpose for writing is to make people think, what they think is up to them. His one original quote is, "Truth is like a coin, you must see both sides to know it’s not counterfeit." Email: ken-hughes@comcast.net Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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