MIKE PITTS TO ADDRESS “JOURNALISM REGISTRY” CONTROVERSY
S.C. Rep. Mike Pitts – sponsor of a controversial bill to regulate the media industry in the Palmetto State – will pen an editorial early next week outlining his position and responding to the general furor it has created.
Pitts’ piece will reportedly be submitted to all of the state’s mainstream media outlets and several new media outlets – including this one.
What will the retired law enforcement officer (who has actually adopted some sensible positions in the past) have to say on his behalf?
Good question … although judging from his initial responses to the controversy, Pitts is likely to play the “competing liberties” card.
From what we can gather, Pitts is upset at the media for its advocacy on behalf of several anti-Second Amendment bills currently being pushed through the S.C General Assembly. He apparently wants to put the MSM on notice that defending Constitutional liberty should not be limited to those moments when the media’s own First Amendment freedom comes under the microscope.
Of course we don’t presume to speak for Pitts … we will wait to hear what he has to say for himself.
Whatever Pitts’ rationale for advancing proposed media regulation … we do not support it. And while we’re sure this is all about making a larger point – we’re not sure Pitts has picked an especially persuasive method of engagement.
Having said that, we look forward to publishing Pitts’ column – as we have in the past when he has articulated positions on issues where we disagree.
Even when we don’t see eye-to-eye with him, he’s a thoughtful guy and we are happy to lend him our microphone … as we are happy to lend it to anyone willing to express their views on issues.
23 comments
First you support a liberal, pro-choice billionaire…and now this idiot. What a good libertarian FitsNews is.
“…S.C. Rep. Mike Pitts….will pen an editorial early next week outlining his position and responding to the general furor it has created…”.
There is no explaining the idiocy of Mr. Pitts’ position. I think maybe he has been sampling some of the product he advocated for two years ago.
Oh, I wonder in fact, if there isn’t another guy behind this that might live a bit closer to the Gervais Street bridge.
First Amendment guarantees freedom of press. No restrictions on the practitioners.
Second Amendment guarantees right to bear arms. No restrictions on the bearers.
Pitts is arguing that if the General Assembly is imposing no restrictions on the First this session, then it should not be imposing any on the Second.
Yeah, I got that – it’s a stupid argument.
We agree. What is that product?
Doobage, he sponsored a Marijuana bill two years ago.
I didn’t realize. Was it medical marijuana? The THC oil? Or just plain full on legalization?
Decriminalized possession.
His bone headed action is already viral and every other word in responses is “Republican”. Now the moment has passed and no one will read or hear your reply. You should have had it ready when it went viral. Now they will forget your name but remember that stupid Republican.
At this point all he can do is make himself look more stupid. He should quit while he is behind.
“Pitts is upset at the media for its advocacy on behalf of several anti-Second Amendment bills currently being pushed through the S.C General Assembly.”
He should just give it time. Several major media outlets in SC are dying because of the weight of their own hypocrisy.
If you have respect for the Constitution, one must accept the consequences of the entire document. You can’t pick and choose.
Media outlets in general, if they have not found a good model for going from dead-tree media to online media, are dying. It goes without saying that there is much hypocrisy being expressed by them daily, however.
The Co-Opting and Corruption of elected officials begins day 1 when they enter office. Most are easy targets, a few last a term.
The entire system is a self serving, NARCISSISTIC, FUBAR, CLUSTER FUCK!
Send them all home to their GOLD, taxpayer funded retirements!
As a close friend of mine says, “fuck em”!
Instead of fucking ’em, you keep electing ’em.
The easy target is you.
I do not vote for any incumbent! Especially the Dumbocrats, Haley, Obama, Peeler, Eckstrom, Ravenel, Sanford if given an opportunity to vote for a new comer.
Mirrortime, you are the perfect example of another dumbass who, does not know of what you speak.
And you’re a liar of course.
You gave yourself away with the “Dumbocrats” remark..
You would vote for a damn rabid dog if he had “R” by his/her name.
You Republicans are so damn hilarious.Always cussing Republican politicos as you vote for them.
Can the act clown.
Such an idiot you are! Dumbocraps and Repugnants!
Small IQ and less common sense you have!
Obummer, Ohalie, Sanfraud, Feeler, ickstrom,Hellnolery and the beat goes on. Stuff it prick!!
Want to know what an idiot this guy is? Go back and watch the video of the floor debate on the confederate flag.
So exactly what constitutes a “member of the media industry” or a journalist? If I write an op-ed for the newspaper, am I considered one of those who is required to be regulated? What about if I just acquire a vast following on twitter or Facebook and people follow me like I’m Jesus? What about if I land an on-air spot for daily snippets on the local Christian radio? In other words, what is the line that separates an opinionated ordinary citizen and a journalist? If it is simply that the ordinary citizen doesn’t get paid and the journalist does, well I’m sure a smart C.P.A. can work around that.
Furthermore, if Rep Mike Pitts is doing this for attention, showmanship or to “make a point” like Rep. Mia McLeod did comparing Viagra to Abortions, he needs to remember that he is squandering our taxpayer dollars. The members of the S.C. Legislature are elected and paid to represent constituents, not to entertain themselves.
Has anyone else noticed the resemblance between Mike Pitts and Mr Bill’s nemesis, Sluggo?
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j8kujT3FAG0