Political Quotes

Jeb Hensarling: Mr. Chairman, there is no greater guarantor of our democracy and our freedoms than the first amendment. There is no…

On the recordJune 28, 2007
Mr. Chairman, there is no greater guarantor of our democracy and our freedoms than the first amendment. There is no greater threat to our first amendment, freedom of speech, than the resurrection of the so-called Fairness Doctrine. The use of the term 'fairness doctrine' would make George Orwell blush. The use of the program would make Hugo Chavez jealous. Fairness, fairness particularly, as defined and policed by government, is the absolute antithesis of freedom. It is patently unfair, and there was a time in our Nation's history when liberals proudly spoke out and jealously guarded our first amendment rights, and now, as we have heard from others, they seek to shut it down. If, in doubt, colleagues err on the side of freedom.
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Jeb Hensarling
Republican · Texas

Editor's note · Context

Opposing the revival of the Fairness Doctrine and defending the First Amendment during a committee discussion.

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