teacherken's musings on everything

The president is nominating Kevin J. Martin to replace Michael Powell as head of the FCC. If anything, Martin would be a greater threat to the First Amendment.

One can examine his official biography to see how embedded (I love to use that term) he is in the right wing machine

- involved with economic policy at the White House -- we know that means favoring the corporate interests

- worked in Independent Counsel's office -- involvement with Ken Starr, right?

- law firm is Wiley, Rein and Fielding, a firm known for it's Republican connections (as in Fred Fielding)

But we really shoudn't expect much different than this -- after all, he is being appointed by a Conservative Republican president.

So why do I think he would be worse than Powell? Take a look at this letter to Brent Bozell, noting not only what he says, but also all the organizations to which the letter is copied. And for those who don't know, Bozell is a longtime player in the rightwing Republican attempts to control the media. In case you didn't know, he is the nephew of William Buckley.

Learn about Martin. Then express your concerns to your Senator, especially if s/he is on the Commerce Committee, which has oversight on the nomination. and the Commission. You might also consider writing a letter to the editor to express your concern.

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME OFFLINE at kber@earthlink.net Comments, suggestions and even rude remarks are welcomed! Preface any messages with "teacherken" so I know they are not spam.