Action Alert: Support Demint and Co. on "Broadcaster Freedom Act"

Apparently some of those in Congress still understand the need to protect Free Speech. As I've written before, the Democrats have expressed interest eliminating Conservative Voices, in "Understanding the Dangers of the UnFairness Doctrine", a response to the growing support from Liberals to silence Talk Radio Well fortunately there are still a few Good Guys in DC, and they are doing everything they can to stop this blatant infringment of Conservative's First Amendment Rights.

Liberals and Democrats in Congress have suggested that Republicans were being "paranoid" about the impending return of the Fairness Doctrine. Just yesterday there was a piece in the Huffington Post about our "Paranoia Festival". Reminds me of that old bumper sticker, "Just because you are Paranoid, Doesn't mean they are Not out to Get you". With a Democratic Controlled Congress and White House, whose party leaders have come out publicly to support the Fairness Doctrine, it sounds to me like they are Out to Get Us. Whether we are Paranoid about it or not.

Well now we can put an end to that Paranoia. The Democrats can assure us all that they have no interest in returning to the Fairness Doctrine. They can support the "Broadcasters Freedom Act" introduced by several Republican members of Congress today. The bill is aimed at protecting the precious right of Free Speech. Something Jim DeMint has been on record as supporting since July of 2007.

From Sen. DeMint's Website

January 7, 2009 - WASHINGTON, D.C - In an effort to prevent Democrats from suppressing the right to free speech for talk radio and other broadcasters, today Congressman Mike Pence (R-Indiana), chairman of the House Republican Conference, Congressman Greg Walden (R-Oregon), Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina), chairman of the Senate Steering Committee, and Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota), Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, introduced the Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2009 (S. 34 in the Senate, bill number pending in the House). The bill would prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from reinstating the Fairness Doctrine, which would suppress free speech by requiring the government to monitor political views and decide what constitutes fair political discourse.

“The time has come to do away with the Fairness Doctrine once and for all,” said Congressman Pence. “Over the past few months, some of the most powerful Democrats in Congress have made their intentions to restore this Depression-era regulation clear. However, bringing back the Fairness Doctrine would amount to government control over political views expressed on the public airwaves. It is dangerous to suggest that the government should be in the business of rationing free speech.

The Press Release goes on to explain the history of the Fairness Doctrine, and the Democrats repeated attempts to bring it back.

The Fairness Doctrine was implemented by the FCC in 1949 in an attempt to ensure balanced and fair coverage of controversial subject matter by broadcasters. In 1985, the FCC determined that the Fairness Doctrine was no longer necessary due to the emergence of a “multiplicity of voices in the marketplace.” The FCC was also of the view that the Fairness Doctrine may have violated the First Amendment. In a 1987 case, the courts declared that the doctrine was not mandated by Congress and the FCC did not have to continue to enforce it. Twice, Congress has passed legislation restoring the Fairness Doctrine, but Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush vetoed the bills.

The DeMint-Thune Senate bill, S. 34, has 24 cosponsors including Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tennessee), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Christopher Bond (R-Missouri), Sam Brownback (R-Kansas), Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia), Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) John Ensign (R-Nevada), Michael Enzi (R-Wyoming), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), James Inhofe (R-Oklahoma), Johnny Isakson (R-Georgia), Jon Kyl (R-Arizona), Richard Lugar (R-Indiana), Mel Martinez (R-Florida), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Pat Roberts (R-Kansas), Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama), David Vitter (R-Louisiana), George Voinovich (R-Ohio), and Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi).

The Pence-Walden bill in the House already has over 100 cosponsors including Representatives John Boehner (R-Ohio), Eric Cantor (R-Virginia), John Carter (R-Texas), David Dreier (R-California), Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), Kevin McCarthy (R-California), Thaddeus McCotter (R-Michigan), Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-Washington), Tom Price (R-Georgia), Adam Putnam (R-Florida), Pete Sessions (R-Texas), and Fred Upton (R-Michigan).

Read the entire Press Release

Get to know these names, because these are your Starting line up for the next two years. These are Our warriors, they are outnumbered and Outgunned in Washington, but as we found out during the Bailout Mania, when America is paying attention, Congress gets a little more concerned about how things "Look" to the public. If we take our eye off of them for a minute, they've got their grubby little hands back in the Cookie Jar.

Hats off to the members of Congress who are supporting this Bill. These guys get it. We can play a vital role in the successful passage of this Bill, just by making a few phone calls, sending a few e-mails or maybe even writing one of those things that goes into an envelope and requires a 42 cent sticker to get there. Time to Take Action...

Contact your representatives if they are supporting the Broadcaster Freedom Act, and Tell them you've got their Back. If your representative has not taken a stance or has come out against this Bill, Please contact them immediately and Let your Voice Be Heard!

Tell the Dems who say they don't want a return to the "Un-Fairness Doctrine", to Prove it by supporting the Broadcasters Freedom Act. As Ronald Reagan always said "Trust, but Verify".

Contact Your Representatives In Congress, Now.

Ann Coulter's "Guilty" Causing Controversy Already?

The Drudge Report has a screaming Headline that "NBC BANS COULTER FOR LIFE", assuming it's true, Ann Coulter should send the folks over at the Peacock Network a nice fruit basket for all the free publicity she's about to have bestowed upon her. See the Divine Ms. Coulter has a new book coming out this week, it's said to be a Crucifixion of the OLM and their well documented liberal bias. Do you know what it's called? "Guilty" NBC must not have realized She was talking about them, when they booked her first Broadcast interview. The advanced copy must have cleared things right up.



I for one, can't wait to get my hands on it, her last book "If Democrats had any brains, They'd be Republicans" was more of a compilation of quotes and columns. While I enjoyed the read, it didn't hold a candle to what I consider her Masterpiece, "Godless". As a huge fan of Ann Coulter's writing, I can only imagine what little nuggets she has dug up on Lexus Nexus search this time.

Her milder critics have called her Harsh or Brash, maybe, but that's what makes her writing so interesting. No concessions, where you give credit to the other side just to be taken seriously. Coulter doesn't play by those rules, instead She puts her Stiletto heels on Liberals' jugulars, then firmly presses down. You've got to admire her style.

Liberals despise Ann Coulter usually before ever having read a word she has written. In fact I would venture to say that 95% of Ann Coulter's 'critics' have Never read one of her columns, let alone one of her books. Her "Vicious" persona is just perpetuated by the OLM. When new friends first see the Coulter section of my living room library, even those who lean to the Right, they are forced to comment. Or more accurately, Question. As in, "Have you read all of Her books?" The answer of course is yes, but honestly she's only published a handful of books. (It's not like I've got the entire Dean Koontz collection.)

Liberals hate Ann Coulter for many of the same reasons they reacted so strongly to Sarah Palin, Coulter is intelligent, successful and the High Holy of Liberal Sins...Pretty. Liberals women especially hate the likes of Coulter. They would prefer women to be mousy, victimized and homely, it better suits their agenda. Coulter represents everything they have fought against their entire lives. She's a catholic, gun loving Barbie Doll. She's even said that she likes to annoy liberals by posing on the cover of her books, smiling wearing a black evening gown. Did I mention she's funny?

For those of you who have never had the pleasure of reading one of Ms. Coulter's books, one thing you need to know: You may not like what she is saying, you may not like how she says it, but you can't argue with her research. The girl sources everything. It's one of the reason I enjoy her books so much, they lead you to other information sources. But it's her cutting Wit that Fans and critics alike find themselves remembering...If you've seen her in an interview, you know she's quick on her feet, imagine what she can do when she puts it down on paper.

Some of my favorite Ann Coulter Quotes....

"The common wisdom holds that "both parties" have to appeal to the extremes during the primary and then move to the center for the general election. To the contrary, both parties run for office as conservatives. Once they have fooled the voters and are safely in office, Republicans sometimes double-cross the voters. Democrats always do."

"Liberals use the word science exactly as they use the word constitutional. Both words are nothing more or less than a general statement of liberal approval, having nothing to do with either science or the Constitution."

"Support for all liberal ideas is always at its zenith before people figure out what liberals are talking about. (This is known as the Howard Dean effect.)"

"The reason any Conservatives failing is always major news is that it allows liberals to engage in their very favorite taunt: Hypocrisy! Hypocrisy is the only sin that really inflames them. Inasmuch as liberals have no morals, they can sit back and criticize other people for failing to meet the standards that liberals simply renounce. It's an intriguing strategy. By openly admitting to being philanderers, draft dodgers, liars, weasels and cowards, liberals avoid ever being hypocrites."

"(Liberals say) (t)he death penalty does not deter. How do liberals know? This is an article of faith, not a statement of empirical fact. If the death penalty doesn't deter murder, how come Michael Moore is still alive and I'm not on death row?"

Honestly, how can you not Love this woman? That's good stuff and truly just the tip of the iceberg. But Liberals have No sense of humor. So it's really not surprising they don't get it. What surprises me is that with Television ratings in the tank across the board, NBC decided to dump a draw like Ann Coulter. It won't silence her, but it will make a trip to the Today show unnecessary for other Authors, once "Guilty" goes to the top of the Best Seller list.

Reflection, Resolutions and Moving Forward in 2009

After taking some time off from my day job and blogging over the Christmas Holiday, I find myself a bit introspective going into this New Year. Looking back on 2008, it was a year of mixed blessings. As a Conservative, I survived "Obama-Mania", by friends, colleagues and the Obama Loving Media (OLM). The onslaught of Obamism taught me a bit about others and myself. Turns out even if "Everyone else is doing it"...If I disagree with it, I'm Out. Good to know. I never felt like much of a Sheep, but somehow now I feel like I have proof. I learned a little about my friends, and how even though they don't 'follow' politics, their ears perked up this time around on Both sides of the political spectrum.

I myself had something of a Political "Awakening" in 2008. As I've said before I have followed politics for years, and was quite active at different points in my life, but with the introduction of Sarah Palin, and the ensuing outbreak of "Palin Derangement Syndrome", I was motivated to start this Blog. For that I am forever Grateful to the Obama Followers. Writing and Politics have always been a passion,but without the constant barrage of insults against everything I believe by the media and colleagues, I don't know if I would have been motivated to publish WithBias. Thank you, Liberals and the Uniformed, for giving me the push I needed to "Let My Voice Be Heard"....




A few days ago I asked readers to send me their New Year's Resolutions, I was surprised at how Many responses I received. Thanks to all who shared your plan with me. Some of you contacted me through e-mail, some through comments, and others through Twitter.


What first struck me, while reading through the Resolutions was most people want the same things from life regardless of where they live or how old they are or how much money they make. Most of the Resolutions I received, are ones that I strive to achieve this year as well, in fact I've adopted many as my own....

Several wrote that they wanted to live healthier in 2009. Something most Americans can appreciate. Some of you are pledging to join a gym, quit smoking or changing your diet. For those about to "Diet" We salute you.
Some were pretty vague, saying only they 'wanted to lose weight'. Others more specific, one reader sent me his plan "to lose two pounds a week", a lofty yet achievable goal. I wish you all the best and will be joining you on your journey to a healthy lifestyle. I hope that you will all keep me posted on your progress throughout the year.

Others will be striving to be "kinder to their fellow man" as one reader told me or more simply put by friend on twitter "to be nicer to people". While I can agree with the sentiment, James Agate summed up my thoughts more appropriately when he said "New Year's Resolution: To tolerate fools more gladly, provided this does not encourage them to take up more of my time."

Another popular topic amongst the Resolutions was Spirituality. Many said they were returning to their Church or becoming more faithful in their service to God. A fellow blogger and friend, has promised to "read the Bible" everyday and more effectively understand it's teachings. It's heartening to see so many turning to God during these troubled times. Thinking of the events of the past year, it brings to mind that old adage..The Lord works in Mysterious ways. While I am an unwavering Christian, I do not attend services as regularly as I should. I can make all the excuses that I'd like, however the Truth is... I just need to get my Butt into Church more often. The election of Obama may not actually signal the Apocalypse, but why take any Chances? Mysterious ways, indeed.

Family was top of mind for many of you. Whether it was spending more time at home or off-line, many promised this year, they would make their loved ones a priority. Some are just in the planning stages, like my friend over at Rightklik, who has told us that a baby in is the works for 2009. While I'm not ready to jump on the Breeding bandwagon, yet. I am planning more trips home to visit my family in Pennsylvania this year. When the world seemingly goes Mad around you, it's important to focus on what really matters and even if they drive you crazy during the Holidays, for most of us, That's Family.

Not surprisingly, many respondents talked about Politics. More specifically what they'd like to see change in 2009 after what some saw as a Disastrous 2008. Many voiced complaints and hopes for the Republican National Committee, some of which may be addressed by the election of the New Chairperson in the next few weeks. My friend, Robert who writes over at The 46 said he would to "See the GOP make some gains in 2009 as groundwork for major gains in 2010." Which brings me to my point of all these Resolutions, whether Political or Personal, they require action on the part of person making the declaration.

Twenty pounds won't magically melt off my carcass, nor will the Pastor start giving sermons in my living room, I'm going to have to do something in order to achieve my goals. Republicans find themselves in the same position. The RNC won't turn into the "Grand Old Party" without some effort on the part of Republicans themselves. Good News is that many Conservatives didn't wait for New Year's to Resolve to make a difference. Immediately after the election, social networking sites sprung up and groups formed creating a "Virtual Conservative Think Tank" on line. One of these groups, Rebuild the Party, is determined to overhaul the RNC with a Grassroots approach. I like their style, so I signed up. Once I started reading all the ideas and initiatives being put forth I was inspired to get more involved.



So I started a group for Conservative Bloggers, a place for those so inclined, to share ideas and blog addresses. With in weeks, it became apparent we had an eclectic growing group of motivated idealists and I wanted to find a way to share these ideas with a larger audience. That's when the idea for ChargingElephants was born. It's a new site that is scheduled to go "Live" on January 5th, and will feature Conservative Voices from around the Blogasphere. Just my small contribution to the cause, but I'm hoping to create a place for our ideas to be shared, heard and discussed. Each writer bringing their own 'version' of Conservatism to the table. It's a tiny step in the process of Turning our Party and this Great Nation of ours around. But it is a Step, and I'm not done yet. If you think it's time to Turn those Resolutions into Real Solutions...Now is the time to Act. (Check out my the links on the sidebar for ideas!)

You know Conservatives have come a long way in a short while, from Rebuild The Party , to Grassfire to the #tcot group on Twitter. Conservatives are getting organized and as Robert pointed out, just in time. 2010 is just around the corner.


Note to fellow Bloggers:

If you'd like to have your blog syndicated on ChargingElephants, please send me an e-mail at Likethemouse@gmail.com

New Year's Eve-Resolutions Anyone?

As the final hours of 2008 tick away...I wanted to Thank you for reading this blog and sharing your thoughts, and I look forward to continuing our dialogue in 2009. Starting with my first blog of the year...on New Year's Resolutions. If you have made a resolution for 2009, Please share it with me via comments or e-mail, Names are not required! ;) I look forward to hearing from you!

There is much to be done, but for Tonight...Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

Remembering the Reason for the Season

Luke 2

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men

Courtesy of King James Bible




Matthew 2

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet,
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way

Merry Christmas to You and yours!

2008 The Year Journalism Died.

It's been said that 2008 was the year that Journalism died. It's been on life support for years, but the Whitewashing and flat out campaigning for Barack Obama, pulled the plug on a Once great profession. Journalist were charged with Informing the Public, and keeping an eye on Tax Payer Dollars back in the day...Obviously that was then. This is now... All dreaming of being the next Woodward, today's "Journalists" leak Military Secrets, and do "in depth" investigative reporting on places they've never been, or interviews that never took place. You can argue over when Journalism kicked the bucket, but today the coffin was lowered into the ground.

America's most intellectually honest News man, Brit Hume delivered his last "Special Report". Hume has been named, Super important Political Correspondent or some such Title at Fox News but will no longer be doing nightly broadcasts. This is a sad day for me. Brit Hume was who I counted on to deliver the news with that smile that let you know he thinks the people in Washington on both sides of the Aisle are a little silly at times. Britt won awards for his coverage of the first gulf war before joining Fox News in 1995.

This video is an Homage to Brit Hume's "Stewardship of Special Report" as his friends and colleagues salute his career.




My Favorite News segment of all time is the "Political Grapevine" what Brit Hume calls the most "fascinating two minutes of television". Delivered with smirk, Hume reports stories that leave you shaking your head, but wanting to know more. Over the years, Brit Hume looked over his glasses at more than one correspondent, with a tilt and a nod to indicate what ever they were saying...He wasn't buying it. As a viewer you always had the sense that Brit was interested in the truth, not just what the PR people were saying. Whatever the issue effecting America, Brit Hume always seemed to actually care and he asked Questions. In a sea of yellow journalism, Brit Hume was always there with the Life preserver of common sense. Bret Bair, his named successor, has some impossibly big shoes to fill, I hope he's up to the challenge.


Brit Hume Delivered the News "Fair, Balanced and Unafraid" as he so often said with that knowing smile. I only wish there were more in his profession that felt the same way...The Media Research Center has delivered their 21st Annual Awards for the Year's Worst Reporting. Chris Matthew's won "Quote of the Year" with is tingling leg reaction to Barack Obama. As famous as this quote has become I was shocked to see the second half of it....

Co-anchor Chris Matthews: “I have to tell you, you know, it’s part of reporting this case, this election, the feeling most people get when they hear Barack Obama’s speech. My — I felt this thrill going up my leg. I mean, I don’t have that too often.
”Co-anchor Keith Olbermann: “Steady.”
Matthews: “No, seriously. It’s a dramatic event. He speaks about America in a way that has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with the feeling we have about our country. And that is an objective assessment.”
— Exchange during MSNBC’s coverage of the Virginia, Maryland and Washington D.C. primaries, February 12.

"And that is an objective assessment"? Holy Crap. We are in worse trouble than I thought. Thank God, this guy is out of the Democratic closet and running for Office in PA. Some people might actually think this guy gives them the "News" as in Factual information.
But Mr. Matthews is far from alone in his Ridiculousness.

Read this and Many other "Winners" selected by the Media Research Center in lots of fun categories.

Here are some of my favorites...and remember these "Journalists" are Supposed to be Giving you the News...not their opinion....

From the Category: Damn Those Conservatives

“[For Obama] the real test is yet to come. The Republican Party has been successfully scaring voters since 1968, when Richard Nixon built a Silent Majority out of lower- and middle-class folks frightened or disturbed by hippies and student radicals and blacks rioting in the inner cities....It is a sure bet that the GOP will try to paint Obama as ‘the other’ — as a haughty black intellectual who has Muslim roots (Obama is a Christian) and hangs around with America-haters....The real question is whether he [McCain] can — or really wants to — rein in the merchants of slime and sellers of hate who populate the Internet and fund the ‘independent expenditure’ groups who exercise their freedom in ways that give a bad name to free speech.”
— Richard Wolffe and Evan Thomas in an eight-page cover package touting “The O Team,” May 19 Newsweek. [64]

The Half Baked Alaska Award for Pummeling Palin was given to Matthews as well, but it was a runner up that got my vote. Ms.Robach manages to betray both Women and Journalistic ethics, when she said the following..

“If Sarah Palin becomes Vice President, will she be shortchanging her kids or will she be shortchanging the country?”
— NBC reporter Amy Robach on Today, September 3. [42]

The final quote I will share with you won The Obamagasm Award, a tough competition as you can imagine among the OLM. This category was as competitive as the Men's 50 Free in Beijing. Well the Winner is... Nancy Gibbs, Time magazine's Editor-at-Large during an interview with CNN. But I highly recommend you take the time to peruse the entire Media Research Center list yourself.

“Some princes are born in palaces. Some are born in mangers. But a few are born in the imagination, out of scraps of history and hope....Barack Hussein Obama did not win because of the color of his skin. Nor did he win in spite of it. He won because at a very dangerous moment in the life of a still young country, more people than have ever spoken before came together to try to save it. And that was a victory all its own.”
— Time’s Nancy Gibbs, Nov. 17 cover story.

I Miss Brit Hume Already....Thank you, Mr. Hume.