Response from Gov. Allen (VA) re Sinclair [View All]

[jaznme]

From: [e-mail]
Date: Thu, Oct 21, 2004, 4:24pm Subject: A response from Senator George Allen
            Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns over Sinclair Broadcasting’s decision to air controversial material before Election Day. I appreciate your concerns and value the opportunity to respond.
            This issue, I believe, deals directly with one of the fundamental principles of a free society, the freedom of speech. I have and will continue to support legislation that does not, in my view, infringe on that important First Amendment right.

As a Jeffersonian conservative, I have always held to the principle that a free people and a free market are the best means to ensuring a free society. Strict government regulations and mandates can limit or constrain free speech, the free-market, and the competitive economy in which we live. As such, it is important that government encourage, but not mandate, the media to do their part in helping to keep the American public informed of political and civic affairs. In terms of this specific situation related to Sinclair Broadcasting, as you may be aware, they have recently decided not to air “Stolen Honor: Wounds that Never Heal� and will instead be airing a piece entitled “A POW Story� on 40 of its affiliate stations.
Once again, I appreciate you contacting me on this matter and hope you will not hesitate to contact me again about issues important to you.
If you would like to receive an e-mail newsletter about my initiatives to improve America, please sign up on my website (<http://allen.senate.gov>). It is an honor to serve you in the United States Senate, and I look forward to working with you to make Virginia and America a better place to live, learn, work and raise a family.

With warm regards, I remain

Sincerely,
Senator George Allen