47% of polled likely voters believe that the government should mandate equal airtime for opposing viewpoints on television and radio.
Even more shocking is that 31% believe the same of the internet. I can't imagine how that would even work or be enforceable but nearly a third of likely voters seem utterly unimpaired by similar concerns.
Here's a list of questions for this mass of potential voters:
1. What would the standard be for determining legitimate opposing viewpoints? Would libertarians get equal air time? Pro-life Democrats? Communists? Larouchites? How would this be determined and by whom?
2. Doesn't having the government mandating political entertainment and discussion on the airwaves encourage abuse? First amendment, anyone? Hello?
3. What about the rights of radio and television stations? Would they be forced into airing unprofitable material in order to fulfill some government mandate?
4. Where on earth does the government get the authority to do this?
5. Are you all fucking crazy?
I don't think that I have to address the myriad of problems with the fairness doctrine in this blog because they are well reported on in conservative circles. What this really suggests to me is that potential voters in this country are appallingly ignorant of the long-term implications of their actions.
As usual, it looks as though it's just a matter of time before the great public in this country puts an actual dictator in charge. Fantastic.
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