Bill (abridging the free) Press

Bill Press is a friend of mine.

He’s a nice guy.

When I had a radio program, he was a frequent guest and we sparred good-naturedly.

When he had a television show on MSNBC with Pat Buchanan, I was a regular – agreeing often with Buchanan and never with Press.

Even though I can’t remember a time we agreed on anything, we always got along.

WND has carried Bill Press’ columns weekly for many years – not because I agree with him but precisely because I never agree with him. One of WND’s claims to fame as an Internet news site is that we provide, I believe, the broadest spectrum of political commentary you can find anywhere. Bill Press is living proof of that commitment and that record.

Having said all that, let me tell you what I think about Bill Press’ radio interview last week with Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., in which he practically begs her to hold hearings on the reinstitution of the so-called “Fairness Doctrine.”

Bill Press is an enemy of the uniquely American ideal of a free press – uninhibited by the long, strong and coercive arm of government.

Here is the way that interview went:

PRESS: Yeah, I mean, look: They have a right to say that. They’ve got a right to express that. But, they should not be the only voices heard. So, is it time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine?

STABENOW: I think it’s absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it’s called the Fairness Standard, whether it’s called something else – I absolutely think it’s time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves. I mean, our new president has talked rightly about accountability and transparency. You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place.

PRESS: Can we count on you to push for some hearings in the United States Senate this year, to bring these owners in and hold them accountable?

STABENOW: I have already had some discussions with colleagues and, you know, I feel like that’s gonna happen. Yep.

It’s bad enough that any elected official in America wants to ignore the clear intent and easy-to-understand words of the First Amendment by muzzling free speech in America, but to witness someone who makes his living in the media begging such a politician to undermine the Constitution is, quite simply, beyond the pale.

It shows how easily America can lose its most basic freedoms – and just how fast.

It shows how we are not far from totalitarianism.

It shows as clearly as George Orwell did in his classic “1984” that Big Brother is never far away.

It shows you how even “nice” people, with warm smiles and engaging personalities, can so easily fall into lockstep with authoritarian ideas.

Let’s contrast Bill Press’ view of the world with mine: If I had absolute political power in America, I would not squelch dissent. I would not try to regulate the press. I would welcome the free and open exchange of ideas – in broadcast, print, cable, satellite and Internet media. Quite clearly, Bill Press would not.

I saw Bill Press a few months ago at one of the cable networks as we each prepared to go on the air. I was so sure that this issue – free speech – would be one upon which we could agree, that I mentioned I wanted to enlist him in a project I had in development. I was going to call Press about that project – fighting the return of the so-called “Fairness Doctrine.” Thank goodness I never called. That would have been an uncomfortable conversation.

How shameful and disgraceful it is to witness Press pleading with a politician, a government official, to go after those mean, nasty voices with whom they disagree – to use the force of government to ensure dissent is under control.

Pathetic, pitiful, un-American, treacherous – these are just some of the words that come to mind when I read what Press said.

I’ve lost a lot of respect for Bill Press.

I’ll still be friendly.

I’ll even carry his column in WND.

I knew I disagreed with him on just about every issue under the sun. But I really thought, deep down, that he would understand and revere the concept of free speech. I was wrong. I’m disappointed. In fact, I’m mortified, appalled and flabbergasted.

 

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