Equity and Quality Unpinning American Liberty (EQUAL)
I would suggest that for once, we Americans take advantage of a potentially full Democratic White House and Congress. For once, we should pass some laws that benefit everyone. I would call this law something along the lines of EQUAL. The purpose of the law would not be to circumvent the first amendment, but to bring it more into line with democracy as it exists today. My proposal would be to outlaw hate speech. In practice, you are free to hate anyone of be prejudiced against anyone you like, but under EQUAL, you would not be allowed a forum to broadcast your hatred. I would lay this equality blanket over RACE, Sexuality, and Religion. Here is how it would apply.
- News networks: They can report prejudice, discrimination, racism, but cannot originate stories that advocate either. This in effect puts a gag on the Fox newsless organization, and forces them to act like human beings. It would apply in Television and print media. Therefore personal commentary at any network that advances a partisan theme based on prejudice or discrimination is banned.
- Cable channels: There is no refuge for hate speech, so the rules would apply here as well.
- Radio: The airwaves belong to the people. Regardless of race creed or color, and individual may NOT broadcast inflammatory language across them. Again, you can say "Nigger", Jew, Kike, or whatever, but "Keep it to yourself"
Does my proposal deny anyone their Constitutional rights? NOPE! My reasoning is that the founding fathers never envisioned mass media and its effect. Our current system is counter-productive. Let’s look at movies. They have ratings that protect children from having to hear certain things on Tv and in movies. But to us adults, we are inundated with mounds of slanted and prejudiced information every day. How does anyone get to invade the people’s airwaves with hate? How does hate speech benefit anyone? The intent is not to destroy hate, but to put it in its place, in a corner, in the dark. The KK and Arian Brotherhood, along with other racists (including the Blk Pathers), had full media access. Where are they today? This access has no value to the public good. So let’s declare imminent domain on hate speech and take it over.