Howard Stern's source in the FCC tells him today that there have been meetings at a high-level in the agency strategizing when to fine Stern based on the impact it would have on the election of George Bush. Some argue that fining him now will make him a martyr and help him rally voters against Bush; others say not fining him will make him look like a boy who cried wolf; others say they should get rid of Stern now because, to their surprise, much of his audience does vote. and he can have an impact on the election.

If that is true, that that could not be a clearer violation of the First Amendment: an agency of government using fines for political ends to affect political speech.

If that is true, if any such discussion occurred in the agency, then they should be hauled before Congress or courts right now.

If that is true, what's the difference between this and Nixon's enemies list or J. Edgar Hoover's harassment of civil rights and antiwar leaders?

So let's find out whether it is true: Stern should sue and subpoena their asses. Or a legislator with balls should call for a hearing.

That's only a small portion of what he's talking about today. Go read the rest.

Sean

STAFF

Los Angeles, CA

MAR 10, 2004 11:18 AM

But here's the doozie, folks: By a one-vote margin, the committee defeated an attempt to extend FCC censorship to cable and satellite.

Listen: The First Amendment should prohibit what the FCC already does to TV and radio but, of course, its regulation and censorship is kept in place by the flimsy tissue of the idea that these are the scarce "public airwaves." Well, cable and satellite are not public property; they are private property. If the government goes in to regulate and censor what happens there, then there is nothing stopping them from regulating and censoring books, music, concerts, comedy clubs... and the Internet.

This isn't about Howard Stern. This is about you.

You have to love Jeff Jarvis, he really is a brilliant commentator.

nadir

Brooklyn, NY

OLD SKOOL

MAR 10, 2004 11:29 AM

that these issues surprise anyone is amazing to me

this administation's total disregard for the bill of rights should be the number one issue for kerry, but if he made it an issue he would have to act on it when he got into office; thus, deal with dissent etc...

so as of now, neither will resesitate the bill of rights to further promote their own goals.

and this will continue to get worse, most certainly if the left continues the anyone but bush mantra...

mick3

Columbus, OH

February 2004

MAR 10, 2004 02:28 PM

Write a letter. Make a phone call. Send an email. If it's only one word you send to whomever represents you among The Powers That Be you will at least be secure in the knowledge that you made an effort while there was still the opportunity available.

Stand Up! Be Heard! Contact Information courtesy Mark's Friggin dot com

Smoke and mirrors, shadows and dust, call them what you will, however chalk up this latest example Snipe Hunting Howard as yet another in a series of calculated distractions to overload the collective mind of the masses ultimately parting the waters just long enough for Dubya (you can pry my cowboy boots from my dead cold pale blue toes but not before) to chase his tail miraculously ending up back in the oval office humping the leg of George Washingtons favorite writing table. Careful not too many biscuits remember he almost hurt himself the last time - excitedly chowing down nearly choking the poor little guy, yes he was, yes he was awww, good fella, you like that scratching behind the ears thats right, stretch. Hee hee isnt it cute! What? Hey why is all my email being returned as not deliverable and none of my bookmarks are locating my favorites how will I know who got the three picture deal after being fired on The Apprentice last night, goddamnit what's the problem here I pay for this internet service all of the sudden its crapping out urgh. Now the dialup wont even connect whoa busy news day, surely theres events unfolding as I fail to connect to the world online this is getting ridiculous something clearly is not working, this is no busy signal I have a strange feeling about this. Is oh great its raining now <yeowch>! Son of a-! Is that no way <bzzzt>! Noooo!

"Pathetic Earthlings! Who can save you now?"

All hail Dubya! All hail Dubya! King Dubya! Ruler of Earth and scheduled to open this summer - Mars!

Did I mention that, contrary to mainstream belief and the officially endorsed End of Major Conflict American soldiers die each day overseas serving their country doing their part fighting the War on Terror? Putting their lives on the line so that the Iraqi people would perhaps at the end of the day be all that much more closer to what every self-respecting being on the planet strives towards freedom. I wonder if the Iraqi folk will let us know how that whole "freedom of speech" thing works? I believe a passage from the Book of Pulp scribed by Brother Tarantino will help drive the point home.

I just want you to know how sorry we are about how fucked up things got between us and Mr. Wallace When we entered into this thing, we only had the best intentions

As Brett talks, Jules takes out his gun and SHOOTS Roger three times in the chest, BLOWING him out of his chair. Vince smiles to himself. Jules has got style.

Brett has just shit his pants. He's not crying or whimpering, but he's so full of fear, it's as if his body is imploding.

JULES (to Brett) Oh, I'm sorry. Did that break your concentration? I didn't mean to do that. Please, continue. I believe you were saying something about "best intentions."

<Boom>!

[Edited on Mar 10, 2004 2:29PM]

BOARDS:

TOPICS:

NEWS: The FCC is Bush's lapdog

seanbonner

NEWSWIRE

Los Angeles, CA

MAR 10, 2004 10:48 AM

Sean

STAFF

Los Angeles, CA

MAR 10, 2004 11:18 AM

nadir

Brooklyn, NY

OLD SKOOL

MAR 10, 2004 11:29 AM

mick3

Columbus, OH

February 2004

MAR 10, 2004 02:28 PM