Pubdate: Sat, 31 Jan 2004
Source: Tennessean, The (TN)
Copyright: 2004 The Tennessean
Contact:  http://www.tennessean.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447
Author: Kurt Eger

CBS WRONG TO CENSOR ANTI-BUSH COMMERCIAL

To the Editor:

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us, a day many Americans eagerly anticipate. But 
I will, for the first time since 1967, boycott the event.

CBS television has decided to censor an ad sponsored by MoveOn.org, an 
Internet organization that enables ordinary citizens to participate in the 
democratic process. The ad would have been seen by millions of viewers 
during Sunday's game. But CBS has deemed the ad too controversial.

The ad shows youngsters toiling at menial jobs, and there is a reference to 
the huge deficit our current administration is largely responsible for 
creating.

Of course, manufacturers of beer, SUVs and cola will be able to advertise 
their products, and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy 
will not be censored from expressing its viewpoint. This sort of 
partisan-based censorship indicates that we are facing some serious First 
Amendment issues in our country today.

Why are purveyors of alcohol, ecologically inefficient cars and Republicans 
able to advertise and express their opinions but not those with differing 
viewpoints?

Incidentally, the Patriots are favored to win.

Kurt Eger

Franklin 37067
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman