wyndhy, I've read all you had to say and I actually didn't expect anything less or different than what was your well thought out reply. TY for taking the time!

As I said before...I'm not here to help change the mind of everyone in this forum. I'm just stating what I see, as I see it.

IMHO...popular opinion hasn't changed all that much. It's just that now...with a new holier than thou/more moral than you can shake a stick at administration...you and I are being told how to conduct our lives by people I would never invite into my life if I had the "choice". That's my biggest problem with all that is afoot. I have NO CHOICE but to let what is happening happen. And by the time all is said and done...mark my words, here and now...somehow, someway, the actions that are starting to snowball from this bill becoming law will effect you and/or yours in some way that is negative to you...and you (whoever is reading this) will look back and say, "Lixy was right...this sucks...and I can't believe it got so out of control!"

I've never said there will never be a time when you overhear something disconcerting on someone else's radio (or whatever) and wished you didn't have to listen. What I did say is...if you tune into Howard's show and can't stand him...you have every power within yourself to turn him off! I'm not into "policing" the world to my specifications...and I am not here to recruit Howard Stern lovers. I believe in diversity and to each his own and the biggy of all biggies...WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OWN ACTIONS by us, for us, and towards the people we love and to mankind in general. If I needed the government to step in and teach me how to live a moral and decent life...I'd move to Iraq or some other country who's government is compelled to control them and tell them how to live! When I don't like something that affects me personally, I try to change it in my own comfort zone...I don't try to change the entire country to suit my feelings about it! I don't need "saving". I don't need anyone elses ideals of right or wrong inflicted on me. I'm NOT a bad person and I can't stand someone saying I am because I listen to what I listen to or look at what I look at.

If someone doesn't explain to me (soon) what the long term effects of overhearing an "indecent" word or action on a media venue is doing to the children or adults of this world...I think I'm gonna explode! For a handful of nutcakes...it may have an effect. But there will always be a handful of nutcakes out there. In the long run...the rest of us just go about our lives and either forget or it doesn't affect us in the least. WHERE'S THE MOTHER FUCKIN HARM?

And...WHAT'S NEXT? After all is hunky dory on the airwaves...are they looking to book banning/burning again? Hey! You don't know...there is NO WAY you can know! It could happen just as surely as I am typing this!

If someone is provoked and backed into a corner...the natural instinct is to fight. If someone is offered an incredible amount of money for doing something he's been doing all along...but with less restraints and callings to task...there is no way I could call them selfish. I'd actually call them smart for taking advantage of an upgraded situation. Who wouldn't want more money? Not one single person out there wouldn't want more money for the same kind of job with better working conditions! The offer was given...not demanded! Howard had no intention of continuing his broadcating career...but I'd call him a stupid asshole had he turned down the deal he was offered. Howard's told everyone how much to expect to spend to convert to sattelite (his shows)...and his pay has been divulged. He doesn't lie to his audience. Never has. So it was no secret!

It is 2005...and the times they have been a changin since the Constitution was first conceived. If interpretation has changed along with it...that only seems natural to me. Just as natural as taking antiquated laws off the books that only concerned the days they were written for (sorry...drawing a blank for an example at the moment...lol!). I want to grow and PROGRESS...not stop and then REGRESS...as I feel is happening by letting the government leap into our lives deeper and deeper by the minute.

If we can't stand up and proclaim out "right to free speech" in a circumstance that will effect so many more than just ourselves...we have no such thing as free speech! As I see it....Howard is doing the most selfless thing ever for a cause that will not even concern him in a few short months. He could sit back and shut up and abide the nitpicky rules and regulations and never again say another word about them. Instead, he's trying to educate those who will listen and let them know that no matter what they think of him...this is just another instance where the government is overstepping it's bounds and taking on more than should ever be allowed.

If the FCC had jurisdiction to do what they intend to do...they wouldn't need an act of Congress to say ok. They'd just do it. They don't have the power yet...but are seeking the power through this bill. If it were right and acceptable...why doesn't Howard have a day in court to confront his accusers? Why won't Michael Powell or any other FCC member talk to Howard or Infinity Broadcasting about the ins and outs...or show him "the rules", as you stated wyndhy. Why are their rights and regulations more important than keeping this all in the open and above board? Couldn't it be that the FCC might be trying to do a good thing in the wrong way?

I think the FCC and our federal government has overstepped their limits and I don't think many can see the forest for the trees! I feel so alone! I don't care what anyone says...I hate regression!!!!

__________________
Minds are like parachutes. They only work when they are open.

~Thomas Dewar~