posted on February 27, 2001 09:01:24 PM new
Leave it to me to bring up a dusty old historical example.
Got finished seeing a documentary about the VERY early days of our country.
The Federalists and Anti-Federalists were at each other throats. Under the excuse of a potential war with France - There was passed the Alien and Sedition Act. Under this law, Foreigners could be expelled at a whim - regardless of any facts. Public criticism of the Government was made a potential crime - Punishable by prison.
The measure was opposed and there were several cases of newpaper editors being jailed for "Sedition" because they were critical of the act and of the government that proposed to use it against all citizens.
I think that it was only upon the election of Jefferson in 1801 that put a reverse to these sorts of policies. (Thank god they forgot to make it a crime to vote them out of office)
We almost lost this right of speech at the very dawn of this county's history - I shudder to think of the course our history would have taken otherwise. I also imagine that our history as a country and the concept of our democracy would have been dismissed as a fad of the Late 1700's and early 1800's
nutspec
And Nycrocker - The entire vision of music and art being reduced to a "product" is just as revolting to me as it is to you. It's like a taste of fine swiss cheese compared to a individual slice of "Cheese product" or a steak compared to a tin of "Potted meat product" There are a ton of holders of gold records that are not worthy to carry a real artist's instrument case.
posted on February 27, 2001 09:08:24 PM new
PS: Jameso - HIGH FIVE right on re: The Emperor's New Clothes EXACTLY!!!
I STRONGLY urge you all to read "A Massive Swelling - Celebrity Re-Examined as a Grotesque Crippling Disease" - HILARIOUS!!! And RIGHT ON THE MONEY. It's written by Cintra Wilson. I think she is my new Hero.
posted on February 27, 2001 10:32:43 PM new
As someone who FOUGHT the PMRC back in the 80's, I find myself in a VERY weird situation....
Personally, I find "Em's" lyrics offensive, but I DO feel he has 1st amm. rights to voice those feelings...
Many music personalities seem to agree with this point including Melissa Etheridge, and EJ...how can ANYONE in the industry deny E's right to say/sing/think what he feels, and still be expected to be able to voice their OWN veiws?
Secondly...and a point that Rocker will agree with (I hope )
WHY did the network "save" the EJ&E performance until the end of the show???
Camn anyone here say RATINGS!
JMHO
Keith
I assume full responsibility for my actions, except
the ones that are someone else's fault.
posted on February 27, 2001 11:31:29 PM new
Keith I think we are in agreement? I hope? LOL
Many music personalities seem to agree with this point including Melissa Etheridge, and EJ...how can ANYONE in the industry deny E's right to say/sing/think what he feels, and still be expected to be able to voice their OWN veiws?
As I said, I don't believe in censorship, so of course he has the right to voice his views. But people do not have to listen/buy into it/BUY his records! As for Melissa and Elton, they are OWNED by their record companies (ANYONE who is on a major label is), so I am not surprised they are keeping their mouths shut. It's the old I'm-Rich&Famous, Don't-Rock-The-Boat, Pretend-Everything-Is-Fine B@LLSH*T.
I myself am a
BOAT ROCKER
[ edited by nycrocker on Feb 27, 2001 11:33 PM ]
EXACTLY!!!
