House Votes to Block FCC Rule
Today in a 400-21 vote the House voted to block that FCC rule allowing increased concentration in media ownership. The Senate is likely to follow suit. Our President has said he would veto any such effort. But in a classic political move, this was embedded in the middle of an appropriations bill.

According to the New York Times, "f, as is becoming more likely, the provision survives in final legislation, President Bush will face a difficult political predicament. He could carry out his veto threat and alienate some of his traditional constituents, which include several conservative organizations opposed to a number of new rules adopted by the F.C.C. Or, he could sign the legislation, abandon the networks and undercut his own advisers who have recommended that he reject the legislation.

A number of Republicans said privately today that they were surprised that the president would be willing to expend significant political capital over the issue; others said the White House felt compelled to defend the decisions of a regulatory agency whose leaders it had appointed."

It would seem pointless to exercise a veto when the vote is so overwhelming, but the 1600 Crew sometimes seems willing to stubbornly maintain a losing position to prove who is in charge. I believe we used to refer to that as cutting off your nose to spite your face.