OT(freedom of what?)
Monday January 17, 12:01 AM
FCC Says Bye Bye to Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, Robert Shuller as Clinton Proclaims 'Religious Freedom'
In case you missed it, yesterday was officially proclaimed "Religious Freedom Day" by President Clinton.
Ironically, Clinton made his proclamation the very same week his FCC has issued several new regulations that will likely spell doom for religious broadcasters.
The administration claims that the president is "committed to safeguarding freedom of religion at home and promoting it around the globe."
The president explained why in his proclamation:
"Americans draw great strength from the free exercise of religion and from the diverse communities of faith that flourish in our Nation because of it. Our churches, mosques, synagogues, meetinghouses, and other places of worship bring us together, support our families, nourish our hearts and minds, and sustain our deepest values. Our religious beliefs give direction to our lives and provide moral guidance in the daily decisions we make."
Clinton also notes the need for his proclamation: "Freedom of religion, however, still has enemies."
He apparently knows better than most.
This past week, without consulting Congress, the FCC announced that non-commercial TV broadcasters have to re-configure their programming so that at least 50 percent of all air time is devoted to "educational" or "cultural" programs.
Fair enough until you read the fine print.
The FCC ruled that "programming primarily devoted to religious education, proselytizing or statements of personally held religious views and beliefs would not qualify as educational or cultural programming."
Broadcast religious services -- a must for the homebound elderly and handicapped -- have also been ruled (cont).
newsmax.com |
