Writing today on Saturday because I will be indisposed for the next couple days.. and because I just couldn’t sit on this another day.
As a Christian and an American, I would like to distance myself from the likes of the FCC this last month or two.. specifically as pertaining to Radio.
What exactly do I mean? Well, Howard Stern said this week that after 20 years, he is going to be forced from the air in the next week or two.. and he outlined a group of Senators, all who live together in a faith based housing project, who are strongarming Infinity broadcasting to get Howard off the air.
Now, many of you don’t like Howard.. and I understand why.. he’s crass, he’s often sexist, he can be gross, and when he is, I turn him off.. but isn’t that my right?
Somewhere, this needs to stop.
EDIT by matthew: Check out the follow-up to this story, by Sammy G.
Conspiracy theories
The Howard Stearn thing reminds me of why I hate conspiracy theories. Most individuals are inclined to try to portray themselves in the most favorable light in any conflict, in hopes of winning sympathy and encouraging their continued survival.
I think Howard’s time is just about done. He’s going to join Limbaugh on the dung heap of radio history, and he doesn’t like it — so it’s a convenient time to blame the FCC.
But, you know, I could be totally wrong. While I violently disagree with certain policies of the Bush administration (PATRIOT I and II, for instance), I don’t think his administration is Satan incarnate or something. I’ve recently begun reading a couple of new mailing lists in search of some stimulating philosophical discussion, and found several of them to be populated by the most leftist, groupthink-oriented individuals imaginable. The most outspoken seem to think another four years of Bush would destroy our country completely — and these same people worship Clinton as inspired.
Ugh. Anyway, I highly doubt that there’s a cabal of high-powered politicians “out to get” Howard Stearn. He’s just collateral damage.
Now, the policy itself I disagree with, but the grandstanding of one popular shock jock? Pure publicity play.
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Matthew P. Barnson
Howard Stern & the FCC
There are two problems here:
1st, and lesser, is that Howard Stern has to make himself the center of attention and the target of everything. Therefore, he is claiming he’s going to be removed soon, he’s done, it’s all over. That’s just Howard prophesizing doom, more than likely. Unless he does something over-the-top to force the FCC to remove him, which will play right into his claims. Howard’s a lot of things, but he’s not dumb.
2nd, and much worse, is that it seems the gov’t (including the FCC) has taken upon itself to become the moral arbitor for us lowly peons. Instead of trusting me to know how to TURN THE RADIO OFF MYSELF if something is being broadcast I don’t like, they are going to “clean up the airwaves for me”. George Bush is going to spare me the indecency of seeing homesexuals married. I really think George and his croonies think they are restoring America’s morality and safety, but the problem is who decides what is moral and immoral?
Howard Stern is the #1 rated show, so apparently people are listening. Apparently they are so affected by the indecency they are hearing they cannot turn off the radios..
My question is this: I can protect myself from the radio, I don’t need the government to do that. Who’s going to protect me from the government?
My $.02 Weed
Protect from the Protectors
That’s so funny you wrote that because I recently re-read a “Who Watches The Watchers?” article discussing why the Constitution was formed specifically to limit government involvement.
The best thing the FCC could do is not limit or ban but to broaden the access for broadcasters and allow for more choice. We have the ability to change the channel, thanks very much.
It’s like Michael Moore’s book that the publisher originally shelved as a result of pressure from the government. The book went on to become a best-selling title after librarians screamed outrage.
It’s awful to have the government #1) tell us what’s indecent and then #2) allow for consolidation of media ownership so that a fewer number of information channels are in control of what the mass public receive.
— Sammy G
I love Howard Stearn
I am a 50 year old overweight woman who is well-educated. Occasionally Howard Stearn crosses the line. Guess what? I either switch to another channel or turn the radio off—-duhhhhhhhh.
When my kids were young, I did not listen to the program in their presense. (Has the light gone on?)
Preserve my 1st ammendment rights.
DM in Massachusetts
The “F” Word Used In Congress
I am wondering if Mr. Powell Jr. will fine our Vice President for using the “F” word in a public forum. Last week it was used against a Democratic Senator and the V.P.’s response was that he was glad he said it and it needed to be said! These guys will never make a mistake and admit it. I want to see his fine! How about $500,000!!!!
Save Howard Stearn
Everyone’s First Ammendment Rights are in jeopardy.
Howard Stern, an English man’s view
Well done to Howard Stern!!! Keep it up lad!!! They may keep on at you but keep telling them as it is. It shows how <deleted> this country (usa) really is. We need more people like you NOW!!!
EDIT by matthew: expletive deleted
Howard Stearn and politics
Howard is excellent to listen to as an entertainer. However, he really turns off upper middle class and above when he gets in to politics, he polarizes himself, which will cost him in the long run. Of course, he probably does not need the money.
Chicago