I'm not all that much of a fan of Howard Stern, but I think using terms like "freedom" and "liberty" should mean more then just rhetoric justifying a "moral" rationale for invasion of Iraq. The FCC has levied outrageous fines on Clear Channel, prompting the radio conglomerate to drop Stern's show. Is this freedom and liberty in 21st century America? Stern has charged on the air that he's being punished for his criticism of President Bush. Clear Channel's political action committee and its employees have given $265,800 to Republicans for the 2004 election, more than any other broadcaster, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan research group. Again, I urge anyone who cares about free speech "freedom" and "liberty" to email their displeasure with the FCC. It's not Bush's FCC, it's YOUR FCC. Go to their site.

Must we continue to destroy our way of life at home as we force it on others overseas? The independently-produced film EVERY CHILD IS BORN A POET: THE LIFE & WORK OF PIRI THOMAS, scheduled to be broadcast on the national PBS series INDEPENDENT LENS tonight, April 6th at 10:00 p.m., is right smack in the middle of these new controversial policies. Following the issuance of the new FCC rules, PBS has decided it must edit out of EVERY CHILD IS BORN A POET "obscene” words like "fuck" and "shit." In fact, some PBS affiliate stations are requesting that additional words not mandated by the FCC rules, be removed as well. If this at all bothers you, as I sincerely hope it does, then visit the FCC web site and tell them how you feel.

Unless you're one of the top 1% in the country in terms of income, you're probably feeling a bit stretched or insecure in the finances since the W seized power in this country. But, since the Democrats do not have the same huge level of deep pocket givers, it's ESSENTIAL that John Kerry taps into small donors. Of course there are deep pockets for the Dems as well, but nothing to compare to Bush's string of $2,000 per person or higher fund raisers that have given him $180 million to help ensure he can buy the presidency. So, if you care about your country, or are just sick and tired of being embarrassed to be an American when you travel overseas, please give a small amount to Kerry. It will make you feel very warm and fuzzy inside.