A Return to the Fairness Doctrine

Why wouldn't conservatives want a return to the Fairness Doctrine, given that conservative talk-show hosts whine about domination of the airwaves and other media outlets by the "liberal media"? Such a regulation, hypothetically, would be to their advantage.

Could it be their argument is faulty, and they are benefiting from an ever-growing media presence, not to mention a virtual monopoly on talk radio, as they perpetuate the myth of victimhood and rake in the dough?

The issue is not strictly about the First Amendment, as some have claimed. It's also about profits, competition for advertising dollars and dissemination of particular political views.

Conservative pundits such as Rush Limbaugh and others of his ilk have gained a large following by validating listeners' worst instincts: scapegoating, bigotry and xenophobia, to name a few.

They are tinhorn demagogues who blame all our ills on liberals, liberals, liberals, while discouraging rebuttals and dissenting views.

Their shows are popular with a certain audience, but the popularity is based at least in part on the large number of angry, uninformed listeners.

Most of these "personalities" are not journalists; they're entertainers. But their shows are more than mere entertainment. They are megaphones for conservative values, and the hosts are mouthpieces for the Republican Party and big business.

As this is the case, equal time for opposing views should be allowed.

True First Amendment lovers would welcome this and not be threatened, and the Fairness Doctrine would allow all sides a fair hearing.