A short update to the recent judgement against the Federal Communication Commission.
The FCC wanted to fine broadcasters for the casual use of words like "fuck" and "shit" within their programs. The court cited Bush’s and Cheney’s public use of such words and declared the FCC ruling illegal.
Now FCC Chairman Kevin Martin released a public statement (pdf) on the decision:
Today, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York said the use of the words “fuck” and “shit” by Cher and Nicole Richie was not indecent.
I completely disagree with the Court’s ruling and am disappointed for American families. I find it hard to believe that the New York court would tell American families that “shit” and “fuck” are fine to say on broadcast television during the hours when children are most likely to be in the audience.
…
In total the FCC statement includes the word "fuck" six times and "shit" four times. It is publicly available on the FCC website during the hours when children are most likely to surf the Internets. It continues:
If we can’t restrict the use of the words “fuck” and “shit” during prime time, Hollywood will be able to say anything they want, whenever they want.
Imagine that, people being able to say anything they want, whenever they want. We can’t have that.
Unless such people are heading the administration or the FCC.