I use Google Reader (I know that there’s probably better ones) for reading syndicated content, and it has this nice feature where it aggregates posts about topics using Google Blog Search. I’ve got it tuned to “Christian radio” so I can keep up with what was a big part of my life for 14 years.
Interestingly in the past week there have been several posts commenting on a piece in World Net Daily by Janet Folger entitled “Letter from a future prisoner.” In it she predicts a future world three years from now where Christian radio would be outlawed, Christians will be persecuted for their beliefs, and uttering the words “mom” or “dad” would be hate speech. All of this would occur if Hillary is elected.
Ok, maybe Ms. Folger sounds a little hysterical, but she’s obviously trying to make her point through exaggeration, a literary tool historically used in much of political literature. What is alarming to me is the equally hysterical reaction of the left-wing blogosphere. First off, most discard her as “typical nut-job.” But if that’s the case, why make such a fuss and sound so defensive? Their references are drawing more attention (like mine) to her column than she would typically have. Take a look at some of these (careful, possible bad language).
Second, you get the sense that the lefties “doth protest too much.†I’ve heard Speaker Pelosi talk about how important reestablishing the Fairness Doctrine is to her party. It is well understood that the Fairness Doctrine is anything but fair, and would absolutely squelch free speech in broadcasting, kill conservative (and liberal) talk radio, as well as Christian radio. The Democrat Party doesn’t like talk radio because their multiple attempts to match Rush Limbaugh have been abysmal failures, both in ratings and revenues. Do I think that a Democrat Congress backed by a Democrat President could bring back the Fairness Doctrine? Probably.
What about this criminalization of Christianity? I have written in the past that the only sociological demographic that can be ridiculed and demonized with impunity are white, male, conservative evangelicals. It’s a stretch to go from marginalization to criminalization…right?
November 30th, 2007 at 6:40 pm
Oh, how I agree with you whole-heartedly!
November 30th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
This upcoming presidential election will be a defining one if Hillary is elected. She and her cohorts are to be feared.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:15 am
“I have written in the past that the only sociological demographic that can be ridiculed and demonized with impunity are white, male, conservative evangelicals.”
You’re such a victim aren’t you? I routinely see Catholics of all stripes ridiculed. And you know who I’ve experienced it from most? White, male, conservative evangelicals.
Let’s not overlook the frequency with which Catholic priests and nuns are mocked in popular culture.
December 3rd, 2007 at 11:47 am
Sean,
You won’t hear any Catholic-bashing from me. But you didn’t address the original point: along with other Christian radio, will Catholic voices like Relevant Radio, EWTN, and the like be silenced if the Fairness Doctrine is reenacted?
Joel
December 3rd, 2007 at 1:09 pm
No, because they weren’t silenced when the Fairness Doctrine was in place originally.
Do you think it’s a good idea for Rupert Murdoch, or any foreigner to control so much US media?
I didn’t say you bashed Catholics but you did claim “the only sociological demographic that can be ridiculed and demonized with impunity are white, male, conservative evangelicals.” I am pointing out another group that is frequently maligned with impunity. When I was in the military, white, male conservative evangelicals thought nothing of asking me if my loyalty was to Rome or Washington, where’s your beads, why do you pray to statues, etc.
It was The Fairness Doctrine that ultimately resulted in tobacco (cigarettes) adds being banned from television. If that’s what it takes to keep tobacco companies from advertising their poison to kids, then it’s worth it.
February 18th, 2008 at 9:54 pm
What is it with wing nuts not knowing how to spell Democratic? It’s the Democratic party not the Democrat Party.
March 18th, 2008 at 7:03 am
Nonya…are you a Democratic or a Democrat? It is a party of Democrats…not Democratics…nothing wing nut about it…it’s English…you should try it some time.