House Reps Seek A Helping Hand For Minority Broadcasters…

Tuesday, May, 26, 2009 by Mel Phillips.

And you wonder why people hate politics?  The same House of Representatives that wants to tax the pants off of terrestrial radio with a Performance Tax is now looking for a helping hand for some of those stations that would be taxed.  House minority whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.) has joined with a dozen other House members to ask Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner for financial help for minority broadcasters similar to the help the government is giving auto dealers.  The legislators, which include Barney Frank (D-MA), Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), Charles Rangel (D-NY) and Maxine Waters (D-CA) argue that minority broadcasters have been among the hardest hit by the economic meltdown, which they say threatens to “erase the modest inroads” minorities have made in the broadcast business.  But why did it have to come to this?  Why didn’t they try harder to stop passage of the bill in their own House of Representatives???

The Reps say they’re looking for a helping hand, not a handout.  That’s what they ask for in their letter to Geithner with attached copies to FCC Acting Chairman Michael Copps and representatives of Fannie Mae and the FDIC.  The Reps end their letter requesting a response from Geithner, “no later than Friday, June 5.”  The House of Representatives can never be accused of lacking a pair of brass ones…

If Timothy Geithner professes to be an equal opportunity Treasury Secretary, he will deny this House ”helping hand” request on behalf of minority broadcasters.  Either that or offer a “helping hand” to every terrestrial broadcaster who faces bankruptcy given the economic meltdown and the possibility of a House passed Performance Tax enactment…   

10 Timeline Memories:

1. 1868] Acquittal: President Andrew Johnson is acquitted (by 1 vote) of all charges in his impeachment trial…
2. 1896] How now Dow Jones?: The Dow is published for the 1st time with the average price of the 11 initial stocks at $40.94, a bloody fortune in 1896…
3. 1959] Wake me up before you throw-throw: The word “Frisbee” becomes a registered trademark of Wham-O…
4. 1959] No one’s perfect: Harvey Haddix of the Pirates pitches 12 perfect innings but loses in the 13th on the 1st hit he gives up - a Joe Adcock home run…
5. 1972] Can you pass the SALT?: SALT 1 is signed by the U.S. and USSR putting a freeze on the testing and deployment of land and sub based ICBMs and ballistic missiles for 5 years…
6. 1977] Who needs Spiderman: George H. Willig is arrested after he scales the South Tower of the WTC in 3 1/2 hours (or about the time it takes to get crosstown)…
7. 1978] You can bet on it: The first legal casino in the eastern U.S. opens in Atlantic City…
8. 1994] And somewhere Elvis is kvelling: Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley secretly wed in the Dominican Republic. They divorce 19 months later. I wish they would’ve kept it a secret from us…
9. 1998] Now you tell us: The Supreme Court rules that Ellis Island, historic gateway for millions of immigrants, is mainly in New Jersey, not New York…
10. 2004] Guilty as charged: Terry Nichols is found guilty of 161 state murder charges for helping carry out the Oklahoma City bombing. He receives 161 consecutive life sentences. Not enough for that crime…

Music Memories:

• 1959] Number One on this date: “The Battle of New Orleans” - Johnny Horton…1970] “Everything is Beautiful” - Ray Stevens…1980] “Funkytown” - Lipps, Inc. …
• 1973] Released on this date: “Smoke On The Water” - Deep Purple…

“Happy Birthday…happy birthday“: Lenny Kravitz (45), Bobcat Goldthwait (47), ‘Miami Vice’s’ Philip Michael Thomas (60), Hank Williams Jr. (60), Stevie Nicks (61), Levon Helm (69), Brent Musburger (70) and James Arness (86)…

Timeline Countdown: 26 days until Father’s Day, 26 days until summer and 39 days until July 4th…

Posted in Today's Post | No Comments »