This is the type of thing that really ticks off the tea party people.  The idea that our lawmakers are supposed to protect us from ourselves.  NO!  You lawmakers are supposed to protect our rights and our borders, pay the bills on legitimate spending set forth in the Constitution AND NO MORE!

What are we doing here?  Did I wake up in China?  I suppose the moderates in our party thought this was a grand idea.

According to Fox News, the law would:

... regulate  reporters much like the state does with hairdressers, auto mechanics and  plumbers.

According to the bill, reporters must  provide the licensing board proof of:

--"Good moral character" and demonstrate  they have industry "ethics standards acceptable to the board."

--Possession of a degree in journalism or  other degree substantially equivalent.

--Not less than 3 years experience as a  reporter or any other relevant background information.

--Awards or recognition related to being a  reporter.

--Three or more writing samples.

Reporters will also have to pay an  application and registration fee.

Patterson, who also practices constitutional law, says that  the general public is being overwhelmed by an increasing number of media  outlets--traditional, online and citizen generated--and an even greater  amount misinformation.

The senator said that he feels that there's no way to tell who's a  legitimate journalist and who's just rewriting other reporters'  reporting and twisting facts.

"What's the definition of a reporter? I haven't been able to find out?  What's a reporter? What's a journalist?" Patterson said. "I thought you  had to have a degree in journalism but apparently not. I could retire  and be a journalist."