How A Deregulated “Free Market” Media Is Undermining The Ron Paul Campaign
Previous to the Reagan Administration, our public airwaves were regulated by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) who enforced stipulations that were meant for the public good:
- The Fairness Doctrine required media outlets to provide equal time for opposing view points.
- Broadcast frequencies were assigned to companies - not to the highest bidder, but by what the FCC determined as the “best public use.”
- A corporation was only allowed to own a certain amount of radio, TV and newspapers in any geographical location; this was to keep any one company from monopolizing what was seen, heard or read in the area.
In 1982, 50 companies controlled half or more of the media business.
When the Reagan Administration took power in the early 1980’s, many of the doctrines of the FCC were considered outdated.
The FCC was revamped to promote a more “free market” approach to broadcast and print media.
In 1987 the FCC abolished the Fairness Doctrine.
In 1994, broadcast spectrums were auctioned to the highest bidder, regardless of “best public use;” this made only the largest and most powerful of corporations able to afford them.
Large media giants swallowed the smaller companies that could not afford to compete.
In 2003, the FCC Media Bureau produced a draft report analyzing the impact of deregulation in the radio industry.
The report stated that from March 1996 through March 2003, the number of commercial radio stations on the air rose 5.9 percent while the number of station owners fell 35 percent.
Today, most of what we see, hear and read is controlled by nine large media conglomerates; the largest five are Time Warner, Disney, Bertelsmann, Viacom, and Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation (i.e. FOX News).
Now, take into consideration the fact that 1% of the population controls more than 50% of the wealth of this nation.
That 1% know each other very well!
Call them what you want, the illuminati or whatever, but these are the few families that chose the candidates that we are allowed to pick from.
These candidates, no matter who wins, are no more than puppets of the billionaire families that control the nation’s industry and money.
The way the electoral college is structured, the process only works if you have two serious candidates, and the powers that be make sure they own them both.
So, when Congressman Ron Paul (aka Dr. Paul) from Texas entered the Presidential race last year, he was pretty much written off by the mainstream media as an “extremist” due to his “unconventional” views.
Dr. Paul, did make sense to a lot who listened; his respect for the Constitution, his ideas of small government, a sane fiscal policy and civil liberties are popular ideas in today’s mass-deficit, intrusive totalitarian police state.
But, his ideas and platform challenge the power of the few who control the money, government and media; Congressman Paul’s ideas threaten the status quo.
Ten years ago, the media would have just ignored Dr. Paul until he faded away into obscurity.
However, he gained massive support through the unregulated internet.
So when Dr. Paul won most of the Republican Straw Polls, most of the post debate call-in and internet polls and raised more money in a single day than any other Presidential candidate, the main stream media could no longer ignore Dr. Paul.
How The Media Destroys Candidates
The media down played Dr. Paul’s popularity by blaming it on a few “spammers” that did not represent the majority of voters.
Sean Hannity dissed Ron Paul winning a FOX text poll by saying, “(the poll) is just a lot of fun.”
When FOX News (”Fair and balanced,” “We Report, You Decide”) excluded Dr. Paul from the New Hampshire debates due to “lack of room” it became increasingly clear to more Americans who is choosing our candidates.
At the time when the New Hampshire debates aired, Congressman Paul had already kicked Giuliani’s ass in the Iowa Caucus and had raised more money than any other Republican in that quarter.
FOX had room for Giuliani, but not for Congressman Paul!
The media started to increase the use of adjectives when reporting on Congressman Paul to give the impression to the average voter that his chances of winning were very slim…
“Dark horse candidate Ron Paul…”
“Long shot candidate Ron Paul…”
The media can’t control what Dr. Paul says in the debates but, since they control the cameras, they can pan across to his opponents as they act shocked and mystified when Dr. Paul schools them on the Constitution and fiscal responsibility…
After all, if the other candidates seem shocked at what is being said, shouldn’t most Americans?
Sad to say, most American voters view their ballot as a betting card, not an instrument of Democracy.
I’ve talked to many people who are not concerned about voting for the most qualified candidate, but for the winner.
After all, if you vote for a loser, didn’t you just waste your vote?
“The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.” - Winston Churchill
It’s hard for the media to ignore Ron Paul, especially his vocal supporters…
Of course, the news reports all Ron Paul supporters as anarchists, conspiracy theorists, racists and wackos.
What “average” American voter wants to be stereotyped as such?
But, the media has a great way to ruin Dr. Paul’s campaign (or any other candidate for that matter) - by simply doing their best to ignore him!
Ron Paul has raised most of his money through individuals on the internet, the most of any other candidate; so when the Orlando Sentinel displayed a widget that would allow you to “find out who in your neighborhood donated to which presidential candidate,” they simply left Dr. Paul out as if he wasn’t running.
Ron Paul came in second place in the Nevada Caucus…
The New York Times didn’t even list Dr. Paul and had McCain coming in second, when he actually finished third in Nevada!
Even the BBC News, which has a reputation for being fair and balanced, doesn’t even list Ron Paul on any of their polls!
So, close to the South Carolina primary, Yahoo News doesn’t have room for Ron Paul’s picture?
However, they have room for Giuliani who has been losing to Dr. Paul!
But, when they have too much space, a question mark is good filler!
I watched the debate last night on CNN at the Reagan Library and it was apparent to me that Ron Paul won the debate hands down.
Yes, I know that is only my opinion.
However, when I picked up a local paper today, one of the headlines read, “GOP Nomination Now Between McCain And Romney.”
Of Course, they have to announce this before the Super Tuesday primaries to alert all the sheep to either stay home or vote for either candidate.
“Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.” - George Carlin
I will be voting for Dr. Paul.
He still does have a chance, but I am leaving room on my bumper for a “Don’t Blame Me, I Voted For Ron Paul” sticker!
Sources:
Hannity disses Ron Paul victory in Fox post-debate poll
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Ron Paul has some interesting views. I think that more people should get to know his platform so that they can flatly reject it. I blame that on the media–as you do. But they would reject it, as I have. Because his campaign is idiotic. Return to the same gold standard that caused the depression and the 70’s recession. Real brilliant strategy, Dr. Paul. “We can’t keep printing money out of thin air.” Yes we can. As long as the other countries believe it’s real, they’ll keep accepting it for their products. Internationally fair? I don’t care. I care of the quality of life for Americans.
Ron Paul is anti-Abortion. That’s disgusting to me. He wants to overturn Wade vs. Roe. You really agree with that paradigm? If so, you belong in the Old Guard, and should probably be voting for Huckabee, young-earther.
He’s against stem cell research. He’s against every important social issue in our nation. Ron Paul is bad for America, and not just because the critics ignore him.
Comment by Julien — January 31, 2008 @ 11:58 pm
Hi Julien. Idiotic? I am pro-choice, an evolutionist, and favor stem cell research, and a huge Ron Paul supporter. Perhaps you should check him out a little deeper - his issues have to do with federal vs. states’ rights. Roe vs. Wade is unconstitutional - not an issue that the federal government should be meddling with. That’s a state issue. If you look at his voting record, it is not that he votes “for” or “against” any given social issue. He votes constitutionally. And check on your gold standard history - you’re flat out wrong.
Comment by Jake — February 1, 2008 @ 1:26 am
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Pingback by Pages tagged "ron paul" — February 1, 2008 @ 1:56 am
Julien,
Your information is INCORRECT on Ron Paul’s views. Please inform yourself:
1. Paul’s view on abortion-
“Roe v. Wade was wrongly decided, but not because the Supreme Court presumed to legalize abortion rather than ban it. Roe was wrongly decided because abortion simply is not a constitutional issue. There is not a word in the text of that document, nor in any of its amendments, that conceivably addresses abortion. There is no serious argument based on the text of the Constitution itself that a federal “right to abortion” exists. The federalization of abortion law is based not on constitutional principles, but rather on a social and political construct created out of thin air by the Roe court.
Under the 9th and 10 amendments, all authority over matters not specifically addressed in the Constitution remains with state legislatures. Therefore the federal government has no authority whatsoever to involve itself in the abortion issue. So while Roe v. Wade is invalid, a federal law banning abortion across all 50 states would be equally invalid.”
Source: http://www.ronpaul2008.com/articles/85/federalizing-social-policy/
(Dr. Paul is pro-life, but believes it isn’t up to the federal government to decide if that is your choice too.)
2. Dr. Paul’s views on “a” Gold Standard, (you shouldn’t inject your own opinion)-
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/articles/85/federalizing-social-policy/
3. Stem Cell Research-
“While I certainly sympathize with those who understandably hope such research will lead to cures for terrible diseases, I object to forcing taxpayers who believe harvesting embryos is immoral to pay for it.”
Source: http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/paul252.html
Ron Paul opposes the FEDERAL funding of most social issues at the FEDERAL level. We still have the states….right? We can vote on these important issues at the state level…right?
I hope this clears up the misinformation and you now feel you can vote for Ron Paul. Please check out the facts for yourself:
http://www.ronpaul2008.com/
http://www.lewrockwell.com/paul/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Paul#_note-72
Comment by Sarah — February 1, 2008 @ 2:14 am
Thank you for a very informative article. Most of what I see on this topic is just a rehash of information that has been published already.
The most important factor in this election cycle has been the Internet. This tool needs to remain free and open to the masses. I fear however, that the “Elites” will start to reign in this freedom as well. After seeing what can be accomplished, they will realize that the organization of people via the Internet has to be controlled in some way.
I am searching for an effective letter of introduction to Ron Paul that I can send in emails. Something that encourages the individual to do a small bit of research and question answering. any suggestions out there?
Comment by deralaand — February 1, 2008 @ 6:47 am
Whay I meant by
“Most of what I see on this topic is just a rehash of information that has been published already”
referred to other sources on the Internet.
just wanted to clarify.
again…Thank you
Comment by deralaand — February 1, 2008 @ 6:49 am
Nice post worth the read
Comment by Beau — February 1, 2008 @ 8:32 am
The one thing I don’t fully understand is that so many people claim to have “reviewed” Ron Paul’s policies, and then so blatantly misrepresent them or completely pervert them. Are people just “reviewing” through what a few newspapers and MSNBC have claimed his positions are, or are they just too uneducated to understand them? I will be forever thankful I did not have to grow through a US education.
Comment by Sidiov — February 1, 2008 @ 11:40 am
Ron Paul: “We need a strong president, strong enough to resist the temptation of taking power the President shouldn’t have.”
Ron Paul: “The purpose of all political action should be the preservation of liberty!”
Ron Paul: “The biggest threat to your privacy is the government.”
Ron Paul: “We don’t have to tell our neighbor or our friend what he’s gonna do with his life. As long as he minds his own business and doesn’t tell US how to live OUR life!”
Ron Paul: “The Constitution was written to restrain the government, never to restrain the people.”
The other candidates HAVE never and WILL NEVER say these things!!! Do you GET it??
Comment by Josh Straub — February 1, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
Julian you are what is wrong with this country, do you get your info from a comic book. You should not vote just stick your head back in the sand and let the truth just keep passing you by. Where do you get those 1/2 truths and mind boggling facts. The gold standard was the only thing that kept the 70’s from looking like the 30’s. A true federal gov. is one the can let the states decide. If you don’t like what your state does move to one that does or work to change it. But don’t try to shove your narrow ideas down the throats of those of us that have taken the time to understand the problems and what can be done to fix them. So either get your facts straight or stick with sitcoms as they are more your speed
Comment by Mark — February 1, 2008 @ 11:21 pm
It’s very sad that the average american is so intellectually and mentally dense that they cannot see the enlightened qualities that Dr. Ron Paul has to lead this nation. He is a real people’s person, free from the influence of special interests, corruption and has an indepth understanding of the economy, ideal governing and foreign policy. If Dr. Ron Paul is not elected for the presidency then bye bye America and those who did not vote for Ron Paul will continue to live the matrix illusion controlled by those very wealthy and powerful families. Dr. Ron Paul is right: we must get rid of the CIA and FBI. If you want to find out how corruption is rife check out some pure science: www.911scholars.org
Comment by Marco — February 2, 2008 @ 1:14 am
Howz Bout:
“Don’t Blame Me - I’m Voting For Ronald Fucking Paul!”
Comment by Juju — February 3, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
[…] How A Deregulated “Free Market” Media Is Undermining The Ron Paul … […]
Pingback by Rep Ron Paul Texas — February 4, 2008 @ 7:37 am
I can feel this article so much, but honestly, the people of america don’t deserve to vote. Our right to vote should be taken away. We are a joke to the entire world. America is pathetic. I wish Ron Paul would have won, but if he did, then it wouldn’t be america would it. PS I hope you all die. gfy
Comment by Joey Mac — February 16, 2008 @ 10:42 pm
And I saw another wild beast ascending out of the earth, and it had two horns like a lamb, but it began speaking as a dragon. And it exercises all the authority of the first wild beast in its sight. And it makes the earth and those who dwell in it worship the first wild beast, whose death-stroke got healed. And it performs great signs, so that it should even make fire come down out of heaven to the earth in the sight of mankind.
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