That's it wyndhy! The Sunshine Act...(if I had more time I would look it up, but for now...that's the one I was thinking of!) TY so much!

There is a bill before Congress, as we speak, that will be voted on real soon (the fastest I've ever heard a bill getting to voting stage), possibly this week, that will allow for individual fines for each individual "indecent" behavior or remark by a broadcaster. This means that 1/2 million dollar fines will be imposed per incident coming from the pocket of the person who is held responsible. It's almost a sure thing to pass! Howard will shut up and just play music for the rest of his contract if this happens. Indecency STILL hasn't been defined...and at their descretion (the FCC)...on any given day, for any reason that they feel like, for anything that doesn't sit right with them no matter how miniscule or ridiculous...they will be able to impose this fine over and over and over again with no explaination...just that "we knew it when we heard/saw it!

We can all thank Janet Jackson for her help in this one...though she goes unscathed because she has never had a fine imposed on her for her "wardrobe malfunction"!

Do you understand what this does to the first amendment? It would be comparable to overturning Roe vs. Wade in terms of impact on our nation!!!!!! We're headed backward instead of forward people!

LMAO@WI!

LixyChick,

There are those who would, and have, suggested that it is the irresponsible behavior of people like Ms. Jackson that precipitated these unfortunate developments. Note also that it requires an act of Congress (ref. your post above) to empower the FCC to assess these draconian fines. Congress represents the general populace, as reflected in votes.

Roberto Clemente has two balls on him! :D

Yeah jseal...she was the catalyst!

The bill I spoke of has already been passed in the House sub-committee and is being considered in the House now. When they pass it (which they more than likely will) it'll go to the Senate for conference and then a vote and then on to the President...all of which should happen within the next few weeks. Congress has nothing more to do in this recent session (poor people, AIDES, prescription medicine, etc., etc.) it seems...cause this bill took off like wildfire. In about 4 months (at the very least) this bill will be law! As far as I know there are only a handful who will vote NO.

This isn't the first time the bill has been presented to Congress, but the last time it was shot down in conference for an addendum that has now disappeared. Huh? Yeah...there was some wording that got it a no vote...and now the wording is gone! Dunno what it said (specifically), but it's been reworded and it's "passable" now.

BTW...my representative[s] is/are all of the same persuasion (R) as the majority of the country...but even Democrats find this bill amusing and worthy!!!???

This country sure done gone crazy!

My governor is pushing to have the authority to purge voters from the voting rolls. :D Just the news I woke up to.

LixyChick,

The bill passed by 389 votes to 38 on Wednesday. Not too many legislators on either side of the aisle willing to go to bat for the First Amendment. Although the bill cannot become law until the Senate approves similar legislation, it is already considering such a bill.

This measure would require the FCC to act on complaints within six months and would allow them to consider violations when renewing licenses. It boosts the maximum penalty for firms and individual entertainers to $500,000.

I can only hope that those who rail against self restraint, or as they call it “self-censorship”, are pleased and satisfied with Ms. Jackson’s exercise of her “freedom of speech”.

:(

i've (obviously) been reading this thread and i feel the need to add something.

i believe in freedom of speech, wholeheartedly, but you can not now nor will you ever be able to convince me that when our founding fathers ensured our rights to free speech they envisioned that a most important debate to be held some 200-odd years hence would be focused upon whether or whether not someone can say ass-fuck on the public radio waves. they meant the right ot disagree with your govn't, the right to proclaim your faith for all to hear.

i also firmly stand by the notion that a nation can not have total equality and total freedom…they do not meet in the middle. someone will always be “more free”. do i not have the freedom to not be accosted with things i do not wish to see or hear but are beyond my control? does another person not have the freedom to say things i do not wish to hear? who’s freedoms are more important…who is more equal?

Lilith,

Bummer! What are the criteria?

Unsure yet of how he plans to sell it...I am in one of 10 states that denies felons the right to vote and one of only a few that denies them that right forever. We had voting issues over this during the last election. But the article does not refer to that.

Here is the article http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/10919322.htm

When are Floridians gonna wake up and toss Jeb out? :rant:

Well he can't run again so my guess is when his term is up :p

Lilith,

Florida seems to have some vivid local politicos. After reading that edition of the Tallahassee Democrat, I'm pleased to learn that Maryland is not alone in having colorful elected officials! :)

New Hampshire,must be one of the states that allows it!I am a convicted felon.Many years ago,in Rockingham County Superior Court,I was convicted
of Aggravated Assault(sp?)(a felony)I have since gotten a complete record
annullment.There is a court fee($300)& many high state officials,have to OK it,before the Superior Court Judge,approves it.I carry a photostatic copy in my wallet,just in case.No-one ever said anything about voting & I am registered as an Independent,on the Town voting list. Irish

In my state it is estimated around 8% can not vote.