The Factor Rundown
Laura Ingraham fills in tonight.
Unresolved Problems Segment
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The farce of fairness
"It's official - the American left has admitted that it cannot compete on the radio, so it's looking for a helping hand from the federal government. The legislation, which members of Congress have expressed interest in reviving, is called the 'Fairness Doctrine.' Twenty years after Rush Limbaugh revolutionized the AM band, liberals know this painful truth: conservative talk radio remains the most potent media force in politics today. Thus, we're hearing renewed calls for the anti-free speech bureaucratic nightmare deceptively called the 'Fairness Doctrine.' It demands equal treatment for both sides of any controversial topic. But because its minders only consider conservatism controversial, the law's chilling effects are felt in talk radio and nowhere else. Make no mistake - imposing 'fairness' is an end run around competing in the battle of ideas. In a media format stripped down to just a mind and a microphone, liberals can't command an audience. Their new motto is this: 'If you can't beat' em, silence 'em.' We could soon see a Democratic Congress and president push through a new 'Fairness Doctrine.' That could mean you won't hear many of your favorite radio shows on stations across the country." News Link: Conservatives take on the 'Fairness Doctrine'
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To drill, or not to drill?
President Bush and John McCain want Congress to lift the ban on offshore drilling, and a majority of Americans agree. Laura spoke about the issue with Tyson Slocum of Public Citizen, which opposes most oil exploration. "We've got to give subsidies to American families," Slocum said, "to put them behind the wheel of a super fuel-efficient car, to put solar panels on the roof, or to give them better access to mass transit." Slocum outlined his opposition to drilling offshore or in ANWR. "It's not going to get into the market for another decade, and even if it does, it's going to be a small blip compared to global consumption. There are a lot of things we can do to push alternatives that will not risk environmental damage." Laura disagreed with Slocum's priorities. "I'm all for alternative energy, but let's do it all. Why be so against oil exploration when we are going to be a petroleum-based economy for a long time?" News Link: Oil drilling takes center stage
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Israel sends a military message to Iran
Israel has carried out an elaborate military exercise that is widely perceived as a precursor to a possible attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. Foreign analyst Jeremy Ben-Ami urged the Bush administration to replace threats against Iran with diplomacy. "What's been missing," Ben-Ami argued, "is serious U.S. engagement. Let's actually go there and talk. There's no question that Ahmadinejad is a madman and Iran is a threat, but the policy that we're following right now is failing. They're moving ahead with enrichment." Laura reminded Ben-Ami that diplomacy has been tried. "We've been trying to stop Iran from pursuing its nuclear ambitions. We have been working with the international community and we have been working with the U.N. This idea that we're not doing anything is just wrong." News Link: Israeli military exercise aimed at Iran
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Spike Lee on the offensive... again
Fresh off his war of words with Clint Eastwood, director Spike Lee proclaimed that under Barack Obama we will have a real 'Chocolate City.' Radio talk show host Opio Sokoni entered the No Spin Zone and defended Lee's comment. "You can take it racially or not," Sokoni said. "I think he's talking about this country being inspired and influence by the contributions of black people. If you put all the U.S. presidents in a room, it would be a vanilla room. Blacks are only 12% of the population, but 50% of the prison population. We're making progress, but what Spike Lee is talking about is even better progress." When Sokoni implied that Laura herself is a beneficiary of affirmative action, she fired back: "Are you saying I'm hosting The O'Reilly Factor because of affirmative action? I worked my butt off and came from a very modest background. I don't want to hear that I got where I am because of affirmative action. You can try that on some other show, but not on this show." News Link: Spike Lee on the offensive...again
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Christian license plates in SC cause furor
South Carolina residents will soon be able to purchase license plates that include a Christian cross and the words "I believe." Rev. Barry Lynn of Americans United for the Separation of Church and State outlined his strenuous objection. "All these folks in South Carolina," Lynn said, "could have bumper stickers and decals long before the legislature decided it would do for Christianity something it has never done for any religion. What possible significance is there in producing this license plate if you're not trying to send a signal that this is primarily a Christian country? An atheist can not go and get plates that say 'I don't believe.'" Laura contended that faith-based license plates are harmless. "It certainly doesn't establish a state religion, which is what the framers were focused on. And the individual citizen pays an extra fee for the plate." News Link: South Carolina sued over Christian license plate
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John McCain pushes for Hispanic vote
As Republican presidential candidate John McCain pursues Hispanic voters by promising 'comprehensive' immigration reform, some big-city mayors are angry that federal immigration authorities are raiding workplaces and arresting illegals. Laura welcomed Enrique Morones, founder of an immigrant rights group. "The raids are tearing families apart," Morones complained. "These are people who came here to work so they can feed their families. Let these families be and let them have a pathway to legalization. Raids on the workplace are immoral." Laura accused Morones of advocating anarchy. "We have laws in place that allow for enforcing immigration laws. You're basically saying 'to heck with the laws,' and I'm saying that's a dangerous recipe for total chaos." News Link: McCain woos Hispanics
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Transgender kids in juvie get special perks
New York's youth detention centers are now allowing 'transgendered' inmates to wear any uniform they want and to request special housing. Defense attorney Randy Zelin explained why the special rules are essential. "Being able to exist and survive is not a perk," Zelin declared, "it's a right. We're talking about vulnerable children, and putting them in a situation where they could be assaulted and raped and humiliated would make them come out worse than when they went in. This is about getting kids straightened out and giving them a second chance. They deserve the chance to survive." News Link: New transgender policy at NY juvenile jails
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The unintended consequences of feminism
In her new book "Save the Males," Kathleen Parker argues that boys are being shortchanged in school. Laura introduced a conversation Bill had with Parker about her book and its premise. "In about 1989 we declared that girls were in crisis," Parker stated, "so we restructured schools. We've made the curriculum more friendly for girls, which is great, but we've eliminated books that are interesting to boys. 'Sex equity experts' try to decide what will make girls more like boys, and boys more like girls." Bill agreed with Parker's general premise. "You can't play dodge ball, you can't play tag, and it's all geared toward making girls do better in school while the guys are going by the wayside. I do think your thesis is correct."
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