Is there a Fortune 500 company in this country that would even consider hiring employees for key positions - with no previous experience - for the purpose of making decisions that resulted in widespread consequences?
Am I missing something here? Or are positions at the F.C.C. decided like so many other segments of our government: staffed by former campaign workers due a job, relatives of friends due a political favor, or civil servants who are continually promoted because the system keeps kicking them upwards?
What we need less of at the F.C.C. are more lawyers and government bureaucrats. What we need more of are bright people who have been in the trenches of Radio, TV, Cable, and Telecommunications who can bring to the position both real-life experience and diligent, intelligent insight.
The F.C.C. is a regulatory agency. The Hyperdictionary defines a “regulatory agency” as “a government agency that regulates businesses in the public interest”.
According to James A. Albright, MD: “Many of the current problems in this country can be traced to the growth of the regulatory agencies, some of which have become independent fiefdoms with legislative as well as executive and judicial powers. This has indirectly led to disaffection of the population, which in general believes that the government no longer represents their interests.”
No kidding. Case in point: "The Indecency Crackdown of 2004". The current F.C.C. has become overzealous in its interpretation of indecency in broadcasting and the record fines it has levied over the past year against broadcast companies has also reached a point just short of censorship because of the coercive nature of these monetary penalties. (See my article “Radio Indecency: Is The F.C.C. Breaking The Law?”)
President Bush: Fire the F.C.C. I don’t know the exact procedure but, you’re the President – I’m sure you’re allowed. Spend some of that "political capital" you've been bragging about.
Even if its just some kind of “Dear Commissioner” letter like “Great job guys, no really. Oh and by the way, you’re un-appointed. Have a nice day and don’t let the door smack you on your bureaucratic asses on the way out.”
Bottom line: The F.C.C.’s website says the agency “is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable.”
By its own admittance, there are 5 basic areas of regulation and the law provides for 5 Commissioners. For the sake of Marconi, isn't it obvious? Appoint one Commissioner from each industry to represent the public’s interests. Isn't that the least we're entitled to?
