This really pisses me off! Why does PUBLIC TELEVISION get

[rzemanfl]

to decide elections in advance:

From the web page of Samm Simpson, Democratic candidate for Congress in Florida District 10:

"WEDU - TV is allowing half hour debates for Congressional candidates later in October.

But District 10 is not included. Why? Well, when I called to inquire, I was told that the decision as to who would be included in these debates was made around the time of the primary. And that there were "questions" about my candidacy. I replied, 'Questions about my candidacy? I've been on the ballot since May and got on the ballot after gathering over 4000 signed petitions.'"

WEDU is "Public" television.

The President and Vice-President for programming's e-mails are:

[e-mail] and [e-mail]

For what it is worth, here's what I wrote:

Since when does WEDU decide who has a chance in our Democracy and who doesn't?

I am outraged that the WEDU staff has apparently already decided the congressional race in Florida District 10 in the Republican candidate's favor. I grew up in a freer country than that, one where every candidate was heard. If this decision stands, I can only conclude that Public Television in this country is nothing more than state-run media of the sort Americans used to deplore.

Please allow Samm Simpson to participate in your televised debates, not doing so is just another step toward the destruction of the United States that Osama Bin Laden set in motion in 2001.

***************
***************
********, FL *****

P.S. I know many here will disagree with the final part of the last sentence, I have doubts myself, but I felt it would have an impact.

[China_cat]

1. It isn't just public tv

Since Reagan did away with the fairness doctrine, all stations can show what they want without having to bother with a differing viewpoint. As a result, here in SC, you won't see any ads for Democratic candidates on tv...only Republican.

We need the fairness doctrine not just back but carved in stone and then embedded in cement in the lobby of every media outlet in the country.

[rzemanfl]

2. I would gladly listen to the Socialist Worker's party candidate

every four years to get the fairness doctrine back.

[Dr.Phool]

3. There were supposed to be one hour debates.

I'm with John Russell's campaign in the 5th district.

Since Ginny Brown-Waite declined to debate us again (she declined before our first, and only debate) they're giving John 30 minutes.

They should do the same for you.

And one other note. Rob Lorei from WMNF, the debate host, isn't nearly the progressive he's assumed to be.