President Bush Addresses the National Religious Broadcasters Convention; Warns Against the Fairness Doctrine

President George W. Bush, Teresa Neumann : Mar 12, 2008
The White House

"I thank you for guiding the faithful. I thank you for strengthening America's families. I thank you for standing up for our values, including the right to life. This organization has had many important missions, but none more important than ensuring our airways—America's airways—stay open to those who preach the Good News." -President George W. Bush

(Nashville, Tennessee) —Speaking at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center this week, President Bush addressed the National Religious Broadcasters 2008 Convention. Because it was a lengthy address, excerpts are provided below. To read it in its entirety, click on the link provided.

THE PRESIDENT: For 64 years, this association has brought together some of the most memorable voices of our Christian community here in America. You've preached the blessings of grace and understanding and patience. I've needed all three during my time as President. (Laughter.)

Each of us has had doors opened to us by the same man. He led the way for America's religious broadcasters. He brought the Gospel to millions, and many years ago he helped me change my life. And today this good man is recovering from surgery in North Carolina, and please join me in sending our love and prayers to Billy Graham. (Applause.) A lot of Americans love Billy Graham, and I'm one. So, Billy, we're thinking about you. (Photo: Whitehouse.gov)

He has led countless Americans to the grace and goodness of the Almighty, and each of you performs the same mission every day. You renew the poor in spirit. You bring comfort to those in anguish. And you show millions the path to salvation and the peace of God.

I thank you for guiding the faithful. I thank you for strengthening America's families. I thank you for standing up for our values, including the right to life. (Applause.) This organization has had many important missions, but none more important than ensuring our airways—America's airways—stay open to those who preach the Good News. (Applause.) The very first amendment to our Constitution includes the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion. Founders believed these unalienable rights were endowed to us by our Creator. They are vital to a healthy democracy, and we must never let anyone take those freedoms away. (Applause.)

I mention this because there's an effort afoot that would jeopardize your right to express your views on public airways. Some members of Congress want to reinstate a regulation that was repealed 20 years ago. It has the Orwellian name called the Fairness Doctrine. Supporters of this regulation say we need to mandate that any discussion of so-called controversial issues on the public airwaves includes equal time for all sides. This means that many programs wanting to stay on the air would have to meet Washington's definition of balance. Of course, for some in Washington, the only opinions that require balancing are the ones they don't like. (Laughter and applause.)

The truth of the matter is, they know they cannot prevail in the public debate of ideas. They don't acknowledge that you are the balance; that you give voice (applause). The country should not be afraid of the diversity of opinions. After all, we're strengthened by diversity of opinions.

I appreciate your prayers to help comfort millions of people. I appreciate the fact that you pray for our troops and their families. And I appreciate the prayers that you have directed my way. I feel your prayer. I can't tell you how meaningful they have been, to help Laura and me deal with—do our job. And I can report to you this: that the prayers of the people have affected us, and that being the President has been a joyous experience. (Applause.)

So I thank you for what you do. I thank you for giving me a chance to come and share some of my thoughts with you. God bless you, and God bless America. (Applause.)