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November 6, 2008

Stop Idea Rationing Now

Justin Katz

Call it "star wars" for the "thought police."

In response to a plea from Peter Kirsanow for folks to begin advocating against the "Fairness Doctrine" before it becomes an immediate threat, a Corner reader suggested that we come up with a name that doesn't validate the Orwellian evocation of "fairness."

I suggest "idea rationing." The phrase is accurately descriptive, and it adds the chilling implication that doctrine advocates believe that ideas ought to be held in short supply.

A too-clever phrase would make light of a serious topic, when what we're combating is an attempt to make political censorship sound like a mild corrective.