When NBC dis-invited Kucinich from the Las Vegas Debate, he sued the network, owned by General Electric, for illegally shutting him out of the debate because of his views.
On Monday, prompted by Kucinich's request for a temporary restraining order against NBC Universal, Nevada District Court Judge Charles Thompson issued an injunction stating that MSNBC could not proceed with the debate unless Kucinich was included.
NBC Studios, Burbank CA. Photo: Meryl Ann Butler
NBC’s stated reasoning for dis-inviting Kucinich less than 48 hours after he received their formal invitation, was that they changed their minds about the qualifications. Aside from the breach-of-contract issue, Kucinich’s campaign is recognized by the federal government. One might think that would trump NBC. Not to mention that the people of the United States are the legal owners of the airwaves.
So, Judge Thompson’s ruling in Kucinich’s favor on Monday seemed to be in keeping with the laws of the land—of the people, by the people and for the people.
On Tuesday, of course, NBC appealed.
And one wonders at the deafening silence of the Clinton, Obama and Edwards campaigns as they watch their compatriot—along with the very foundations of their country—get thrown to the lions.
One reporter kept a timeline of his phone calls to both NBC and Kucinich campaign officials, in his effort to determine the outcome as soon as possible. This reporter received confirmation from NBC that they had won the appeal, and that Kucinich would be excluded, more than 30 minutes BEFORE Kucinich and his lawyers exited the courthouse with the news that the appeal was still being heard! Yep, you read that right.
Hmmmmm, wonder how NBC knew that? I guess they must be psychic.
And a call to Clinton’s media people revealed that they agreed with NBC’s right to limit the information presented to the country.
Judge Thompson’s ruling was overturned at the last moment, when the Supreme Court ruled in NBC’s favor.
But like all good stories, this one didn’t end there.
The United States of America was founded by resourceful, out-of-the-box thinkers who refused to succumb to oppression by Goliathic institutions. The spirit of those revolutionaries lives on in the hearts and souls of today’s passionate patriots and matriots, and cannot be overcome by even the giant NBC. Thanks to the magic of technology, by splicing together debate clips with a live interview with Dennis, less than a day later Democracy Now produced the debate that NBC didn’t want the American people to see.
Of the people, by the people, for the people!
Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich (con't)
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