TVSquad

Kevin Martin is a scary dude, because I think he might actually believe some of the crap he is saying and not just be playing a nutty right wing political game. Things like:
"We appropriately reject the argument that CBS continues to make that this material is not indecent, That argument runs counter to commission precedent and common sense.""
Yes, clearly if you don't share Kevin's sheltered views on sexuality, and the word fuck, you have no common sense. He also likes to talk about how many complaints they are getting because of all of this 'indecent' content. That is a huge load of crap. The complaints to the FCC are worthless numbers because you have groups like the PTC actually campaigning against certain shows and getting their nutty members to write in multiple times, etc.
If the majority of the public was really so offended, why is Without A Trace such a highly rated show?
And if you still don't think Kev is out of his tree, if he had his way he would fine every station $500,000.00 for every time someone says fuck. Seriously now, isn't there something better the government can do with their time? I suggest taking some time to write up the legislation that strips the FCC of the power to do any of this. Every television comes with an off switch.

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Doc, I couldn't agree with you more. I find yesterday's rulings absolutely ridiculous. While I had no great affinity for Kevin Martin's predocessor, Michael Powell, I could respect Powell in one area. He recognized that efforts by groups such as the Parents Television Council (PTC) to rally their troops and complain about indecency on the airwaves did not reflect a general consensus of the viewing public.

In an age where information can be distributed so quickly, the FCC really needs to make it more difficult to lodge complaints against programs some viewers might find offensive. First and foremost, all those who file complaints should be forced to sign, under penalty of perjury, that they actually saw the program in question. Now I realize this will not deter everyone, but I would hope an honest person who might espouse Christian beliefs, for instance, would think twice.

And it's bad enough that Martin, Bozell, & Co. are trying their best to control broadcast, they are also doing their damndest to "reign in" cable.

Finally, if the networks had any balls, they would stop using the useless ratings system. I thought it was supposed to be a guide for parents to assist them with filtering out inappropriate programs. Now, if TV stations are going to be fined regardless, then I don't want to see that useless, annoying overlay on my screen anymore.

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It's amazing how some of you left-wingers crusade for tolerance for everything you believe in, but the minute someone comes out there that has the nutty belief that primetime TV shouldn't have teenage orgies shown, you go nuts. You call us nuts, but how far out of reality are you to defend this kind of stuff that any kid could turn on. Not all Christians are condemning the entire show, I'm certainly not, just the parts where they are clearly going for the titilation factor.

Your position is indefensible, if you want to see teenage orgies, go online or rent some porn.

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CBS got off easy with this fine. They (like the other 3) have gotten away with slipping in indecent shows and story lines. The viewers don't need to see all of this garbage. Cable and satellite offers enough of this. Today's children have had their childhood stolen with so much exposure to greed, sex, profanity,murder,..etc that WE the adults should have to take responsibility. We are corrupting the youth.
Childhood used to be something that you wished to return to. Today's children will grow up to want to forget their childhood. That is so sad. We the adults are to blame. Let's try and clean up some of this. I'm all for it.

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I think I must fall into the "left-wingers" block here according to Mark. Who's responsible for what their children do, say and or watch? If it's not the parents then who is responsible? You can cling to the addage that "it takes a village to raise a child". But we/you are responsible for what your kids watch on TV. You teach them what is right and wrong. You tell them what they can and can't watch and then you enforce those standards.
There are a lot of things on TV that disturb people. If the PTC was succesful in removing all offensive material from television there wouldn't be much left to air. Including the local news.
Take responsibility for your children's actions. Teach them what is right and wrong and if the "OFF" button doesn't work and you want to give kids their childhood back then make them do what we did as kids. Go outside and play.

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I love this cast! The recent addition of Roselyn Sanchez, although she is drop dead gorgeous, she is the most "wooden" actress ever. Nothing moves on her face but her mouth. Let's put some expression in those eyes!

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These fines are outrageous! Why aren't they giving huge fines for the FX show The Shield or any other of the should be R rated cop dramas on Fox. Without a
Trace is a great show with an amazing cast and At 10 oclock at night during the week children should be in bed and not watching tv 14 television show.

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First of all I do enjoy this show all of the people in the show do a very good job. I especially like Roselyn Sanchez she is an excellent addition to an already great cast. I think the U.S.A. as a nation needs to figure out what exactly is indecent. Many of the laws and policies in place are contridictory. Also as has been proven in the past one cannot legislate morality. I think the idea of blocking out certain times of the day in which types of shows or programing are not allowed is feasible and the responsibility for what a child watches should be placed on the shoulders of the parents and not society at large. That is to say IF YOU ARE A PARENT GET INVOLVED IN YOUR CHILDS LIFE DON'T DEPEND ON SOCIETY!!!

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