Senate Majority Leader Reid:
“Freedom of speech is one of our country’s most cherished values. Nothing sets us further apart than the countries and regimes we oppose than our belief that everyone’s opinion matters, and everyone has the right to express it. That is why, when we hear things on the radio that are offensive, by and large, we tolerate them.
But last week, Rush Limbaugh went way over the line – and while we respect his right to say anything he likes, his unpatriotic comments cannot be ignored.
I'm sorry Senator, but your dead wrong -- we cannot spend a single minute of time more on useless letters or legislation about what conservative talk show hosts or what 527s put in newspapers.
I disagree Kos, It is not time to score 'cheap political points' -- what it is time for is action and purposeful legislation.
More quotes, links, info below.
Representative Mark Udall is bringing forth legislation as reported by TPM here stating that:
Madam Speaker, it is not my intention to advance a partisan message with this resolution. Nor is it my intention that Congress waste time and effort in exposing partisan hypocrisy, however tempting that goal
may be.
And the text of the bill (found here) further states that congress:
(3) condemns in the strongest possible terms the personal attacks made by the broadcaster Rush Limbaugh impugning the integrity and professionalism of Americans serving in the Armed Forces who have expressed opinions regarding military actions in Iraq.
(4) honors all members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel serving in harm's way, as well as their families; and
This is no different then stupid MoveOn condemnation bill!:
(3) condemns in the strongest possible terms the personal attacks made by the advocacy group MoveOn.org impugning the integrity and professionalism of General David H. Petraeus;
(4) honors all members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel serving in harm's way, as well as their families; and
Yes it's common to use the same wording in legislation but this is ridiculous. We are wasting time put forward legislation that means nothing. There are much more important issue to be putting time and effort towards.
There's a War on remember, when was the last time An Ad killed somebody? When was the last time an idiot conservative radio host's words did damage?
To add insult to injury, Former Naval Officer, Netroots (BlueAmerica among others) backed, NY-29 congressional candidate Eric Massa has spent his time to challenge Rush, anywhere, anytime about his comments, shown in this Youtube video:
He even wrote a diary about it today. Why are we so wrapped up in what these idiots have to say? People can decided for themselves that the commentators they are listening to are idiots, Congress has no reason to be involved in this issue at all.
It's the same for Bill, wow, black restaurants are the same as white restaurants, O'Reilly.
People have taken the time to address Billo's amazingly racist comments, but it moves focusaway from groups Blackwater, from cutting the war's funding, from doing so many other things Congress should be doing.
Don't we have more important legislation to consider?