Doing the Right Thing - In Texas

Today, the Texas Senate did the right thing. State Senators put aside their partisan differences and unanimously approved legislation known as the Free Flow of Information Act. It was the third legislative session passage of similar legislation has been attempted. Houston Democrat Rodney Ellis and Lubbock Republican Robert Duncan led the charge despite an attempt by Republican Tommy Williams of The Woodlands to add an amendment to the bill that would require Texas newspapers print a "disclaimer" when reporting stories using "whistle-blowers" or confidential sources. It was clearly an infringement on Freedom of the Press in violation of 1st Amendment protections. In response, Senator Duncan told his colleagues, "The media is a checks and balances on everybody, including you and me." Duncan also added, "It is wrong for the Texas legislature by law to compel" news organizations to do anything. Of course, he was right. Unsuccessfully, Senator Williams argued, "I don't see anything wrong with having journalists verify their story." The exchange was a brief yet pivotal moment in the floor debate. Williams realized he was fighting a losing battle after Duncan called his attempt "unprecedented" and "unconstitutional." Then a funny thing happened. Senator Williams did the right thing, announcing he was withdrawing his amendment and he voted in favor of the bill - along with every single one of his colleagues - approving the Free Flow of Information Act unanimously 31 - 0. House members will now have to approve some minor changes to the bill before it heads to the Governor's desk. Let's hope Texas continues doing the right thing this third time around.