Tell us what you think
Over the years, TV networks have lowered their decency standards significantly. Things that were taboo on television 10 years ago are considered no big deal these days, but that does not mean it is decent. I believe broadcasters are receiving pressure from advertisers, network executives and countless others because the bottom line is money.
The Federal Communications Commission should never bow to the pressure. It is here to create and enforce boundaries, and it should maintain its standards. Cable or satellite TV is a service that is paid for and has an option of using parental controls. The FCC is the parental control of broadcast television. Ultimately, the parents are responsible for what their children watch, but we need all the help we can get.
I hope the Federal Communications Commission does not abandon its efforts to enforce decency standards for broadcast television. In my opinion, they should strengthen their regulations to forbid all nudity, vulgar language, sexual scenes, etc.
Let’s return to the days when none of these things were rampant. That is why we have so much rape, unwanted pregnancies, killings, etc., in our schools and society today.
Considering the libertine, licentious nature of most actors, directors and producers, if the FCC abandons its decency standards, libidinous television viewers will no longer need to buy pornography. They’ll be able to watch it for free … as will their kids.
It is extremely offensive to me when politicians lie. Can the FCC keep that stuff off the airwaves?
Just before he left office this month, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour made national headlines by issuing pardons or early releases to more than 200 convicted criminals.
Among those he pardoned are four convicted murderers, including a Desoto County man who was sentenced to life in prison in 1994 for killing a convenience store clerk during a robbery.
Barbour said he was following religious principles in pardoning the inmates who worked as trusties at the governor’s mansion, and he is “completely at peace” with his decisions.
But widespread criticism of the pardons has prompted Mississippi legislators and the new governor, Phil Bryant, to consider options that could dramatically limit a governor’s authority to grant pardons.
Tell us:
Should state governors have the unrestricted authority to grant pardons to convicted criminals? Why or why not?
E-mail your response to hotbutton@commercialappeal.com by Wednesday. Keep it short and include your name, home address and daytime/evening telephone numbers. We’ll publish responses on Jan. 29.