The debate in Washington over competition and regulation of the telecommunications industry is hotter than ever. The major industries and trade associations are lobbying hard to protect their massive profit margins. They're holding fundraisers and throwing around money in hopes of coming out on top. Of course, there's a better way to show your loyalty to Congress: political censorship.
Last Thursday, the consequences of the pay-to-play political system became abundantly clear when Insight Communications, a cable television system owner, pulled an ad by Public Campaign Action Fund highlighting Sen. Mitch McConnell's (R-KY) favors to political donors.
Every other television station had no problem with the ad. After all, the facts laid out in the 30 second spot were clearly documented. So Insight's refusal to run the piece at first came as a surprise. But after some digging, we found that Insight executives had given thousands of dollars to McConnell's campaigns -- most recently at a March fundraiser.
Reporters, bloggers, and Kentuckians were all asking one question: Why did all the other stations choose to air the ad without question, and this one did not?
It came down to one thing: political censorship. McConnell doesn't want his constituents in Kentucky to see how he earmarked millions of dollars to benefit his former chief counsel turned lobbyist and major fundraiser. His donors (and hopeful recipients of positive public policy) were happy to oblige by pulling the ad. The point of the ad was to demonstrate that McConnell is cozy with his big donors while ordinary Kentuckians are left out. McConnell and Insight helped to prove our point.
So, we fought back. In just one day, more than 6,000 people signed a petition demanding the ad be put back on the air. Insight executives, McConnell, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee were all being forced to answer questions about their involvement.
And because of this public pressure, we won. On Friday evening, Insight relented. The ad will air tonight in Louisville and Lexington on the ESPN broadcast of the Cincinnati Bengals game. People-powered politics won out this time over big media's censorship.
However, McConnell is hardly throwing in the towel. His political spokesperson declared that they may still try to keep the ad off the air and blamed, "weak-kneed lawyers at the television stations." That's a remarkable statement coming from the office of the nation's leading opponent of campaign finance reform, who has always explained his support of the big money political system as an extension of his deep belief in free speech. Free speech for him apparently, but not for others.
But we shouldn't be too surprised by that. After all can you name one source that isn't biased? Is there even such a blog around that you can name?
If there are a few stations, or web sites, which tell the truth, then the truth gets told.
In this, I see hope for the future. As long as the internet is free.
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/61107/
Four More Top GOP Outings Could Be in the Offing
"Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Won’t Explain Why He was Expelled from the Army after 10 Days
Minority Leader McConnell has been the object of gay rumors for while, too. In fact, Wonkette has referred to him as “My Old Kentucky Homo.”
Mike Rogers says:
Are the long standing rumors of McConnell’s extra-curricular shower activities in the military true? I believe so, and not just because his office refused to provide me with a copy of his discharge records. I wonder what they are trying to hide.
And Rogers told Counterpunch:
“Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s quick expulsion from the Army –for fondling a private’s privates — is finally being discussed in Kentucky.” He notes that McConnell, discharged after just 10 days in the Army in 1967, “has consistently prevented anyone from seeing his military discharge papers” but a Freedom of Information suit may bring them to light. (After the revelation of Craig’s arrest and confession, McConnell cosigned a statement with other top Republican legislators stating, “This is a serious matter” and indicating he is examining “other aspects of the case to determine if additional action is required.”)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y49/pspauld/photos-clproseted-gapry-poprls.jpg
http://www.pensitoreview.com/2007/09/04/four-more-gop-outings-could-be-in-the-offing/
"Meanwhile, drop by The Pensito Review for a post on the next GOP closet doors that could be kicked open.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=2820
SOME more equal than others...
DITCHMITCH!
http://www.ditchmitchky.com/
Why else would all these old white men (who are up for re-election) carry water for the white house with unquestioning allegiance???
Could there be yet another Don Juan of the johns as Larry Gelbart put it???
I am convinced you can trace MANY of our current problems to this HORRIBLE decision and/or precedent.
We no longer have representatives voting for the betterment of the citizens who put them in office but rather we now have a legalized bribery system where votes go to the highest bidder.
Hopefully we can get rid of the remaining trash in 2008.