[tomxtr]

[quote="Mr.Buttocks":de577]American politics - especially the Republican party - has been hijacked by religious zealots, expect more censorship in the near future.[/quote:de577]

As someone who leans a little right of center, I'm sad to say this is true. This is why Howard Stern is going to satellite radio. The FCC does not currently regulate this medium. If they attempt to regulate satellite radio or tv, cable, or the internet, then people will rise up. Until then, not enough people will act. I wrote both of my senators to express my disgust over the FCC. Curiously enough I received a vague response 5+ months after I complained and coincidentally after her seat was secure after being re-elected. Being that she (Barbara Mikulski) is a liberal, I was a little surprised at her position.

[quote:de577]November 10, 2004



Mr. Thomas ***
***
***, Maryland 21043-3485

Dear Mr. ***:

Thank you for contacting me about the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and the issue of indecency on broadcast television and radio. It's good
to hear from you.

I want you to know that I unconditionally support the First Amendment
and stand against efforts to restrict the free exchange of ideas that our nation
is based on.

However, when it comes to the use of publicly owned airwaves, television
and radio stations must make efforts to protect children from indecent and
profane material.

I understand concerns about how actions by the FCC might restrict free
speech. That's why I supported a narrow and limited amendment that increases
the maximum fine that the FCC can levy from $27,500 to $275,000. This amendment
also guides the FCC as they levy fines. It requires them to take in
consideration several factors, including whether the indecency was on a scripted
or unscripted show, whether it was live or recorded, whether a time delay device
was in use, or whether the show was intended for families or children, among
other criteria. These criteria help balance free speech concerns with the
public interest.


You can be certain that I will be watching closely as the FCC address
indecency on the public airwaves. I also want you to know that I will keep your
views in mind should any other legislation concerning the FCC come before the
Senate in the future.

Thanks again for getting in touch with me. Please let me know if I can
be of any assistance to you again in the future.

Sincerely,

Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator

P.S. If I can be of any further assistance in the future, please visit my
website at [url="http://mikulski.senate.gov"]http://mikulski.senate.gov[/url] or call my Washington office at
202-224-4654.
[/quote:de577]