Posted on 11/09/2005 5:36:21 PM PST by Pikamax
Sen. Obama Warns TV to Clean Up or Congress Will Act By Doug Halonen
If the industry doesn't take significant steps to make it easier for parents to control what their children view on television, Congress will step in and legislate. That was a warning shot fired by Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., in a speech Wednesday in Washington.
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"The amount of questionable content spilling across our screens is growing by the year," Sen. Obama said at a press conference to release a new study by the Kaiser Family Foundation that says the number of sex scenes on TV has been increasing dramatically over the past several years.
"Once again, we find ourselves asking those in charge to serve the needs of a nation that has a higher calling than simply peddling indecency and materialism for profit," the senator said.
The study, which examined a representative example of broadcast and cable TV network shows, said that 70 percent of programs included some sexual content this year (with an average of five sex scenes per hour), while only 56 percent did so in 1998 (with 3.2 sex scenes per hour). Among shows that had sexual content, the study said, 14 percent this year included a reference to sexual risks or responsibilities, up from 9 percent in 1998.
But Sen. Obama said he is particularly concerned about the impact television is having on the ability of parents to instill positive values in their children. "Raising your children this way has become exceedingly difficult in a mass media culture that saturates our airwaves with a steady stream of sex, violence and materialism," he said.
I understand but they're not young children. When they were small children the airwaves weren't as bad as they are now. The last few years have been crazy. Have you had to explain to an 10 year old what Viagra is because the commercial was on during a football game? Or have you had to quickly change the channel because your 13 year old saw 2 boys (yes, boys!) kissing on a program geared toward teens? This garbage wasn't on tv even 10 years ago.
"No, re-read the ages. I've just recently sent my kids out into the world."
Oh my goodness! Your "middle one" is a lovely lady and not the young man I expected her to be. My face is red! The prayers and thoughts go out the same, and a double thank you to her and to you for raising a beautiful daughter. (Your home page is great!)
I agree with him also but I don't think he REALLY believes his own rhetoric.He's trying to pander to the anti-smut segment of the electorate.
Just don't trust the Dems to do anything from principle.
Again...that's why you should just toss out the TV. That simple.
"When they were small children the airwaves weren't as bad as they are now."
Yes, they were. There was smut all over. It was hard explaining to your pre-teen why they can't watch friends when all their classmates were.
Thanks, we did alright with her. And we monitored her tv watching.
I don't think you know me well enough to call me Sweetie.
Yes, you did.
Us either. They knew what they were allowed to watch and not to watch. Just because it is on the air doesn't mean you have to watch it. Use the remote. Tell the kids...that's it. This show is not for kids. They'll move on and do something else. Who's in charge at home anyway???
You have had the last word. Let's call it a day, alright?
Getting rid of my tv would not really make a difference. I have nearly 200 channels blocked and I'm vigilant about what they watch. The problem is that this stuff is everywhere. Everywhere. In the mall, at friends' homes, in music, on billboards, on the covers of magazines on line at the supermarket... I can't seem to get away from it. It's gotten considerably worse these last few years. "Just turn if off" doesn't work anymore.
Oops. Looks like I made the same mistake. Shame on me! Your DAUGHTER is lovely and my prayers are with her for her safe return.
Thanks, their coming home date, after a year, is sometime in January. She's a good conservative girl, and her platoon mates are as well. She's in a great group, and we all should be proud of them. They are awesome, respectful, patriotic, and conservative.
HeeHee! Good night, my FRiend.
You are so right. It's pervasive and there doesn't seem to be much we can do about it.
Hey, pinging is required.
You can advocate all the big government intervention you want. I'll insist the ^#&*(&*($%&% government stay out of my business. So, let's agree that I'm right and you're wrong, problem solved! :)
I think Obama is on to something here, and something does need to be done. I may be attacked for saying this, because I am not a pure libertarian, but I think it is of the upmost importance that we do something about popular culture. Many conservative thinkers, like Robert Bork, have made well-reasoned arguments in favor of placing limits on the media. This is one issue where we might be able to work together and succeed in changing the future of America. If Republicans were wise they would jump on board.
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