You have to ask yourselves:

If the goverment feels that we the people are unable to think for ourselves where will the restriction of our constitutional rights end?

As many now know -

A number of ABC affiliates were forced to pre-empt the AWARD winning film Saving Private Ryan on 11/11/04 - Veterans Days. ABC and their affiliates contacted the FCC asking for a pre-show ruling and was told none could be made at that time as no specific complaints had been registered, nor had any violations of the "Rules of Obsenity" been identified (even though the film in question had been shown on two previous occasions - 2001/2002). The FCC's unwillingness to define "obscenity" constituted a soft threat of sanctions against anyone who went ahead with showing the film. I am asking that any American that believes in the Constitution of the United States of America, please send a similar letter/Email to the FCC letting them know that enough is enough and it is time to define clear guidelines based on the Constitution of the United States of America.


Federal Communications Commission

445 12th St, S.W.

Complaints and Political Programming Branch

Enforcement Division, Mass Media Bureau

Washington, DC 20554

How to Contact the FCC

OR

To Contact the Commissioners via E-mail

Chairman Michael K. Powell: Michael.Powell@fcc.gov
Commissioner Kathleen Q. Abernathy: Kathleen.Abernathy@fcc.gov
Commissioner Michael J. Copps: Michael.Copps@fcc.gov
Commissioner Kevin J. Martin: KJMWEB@fcc.gov
Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein: Jonathan.Adelstein@fcc.gov
General information, inquiries & complaints: fccinfo@fcc.gov






This is a formal COMPLAINT of CENSORSHIP against the American Family Association. My complaint concerns the their attempt to fraudulently get people to send in complaints based on the language in Saving Private Ryan:

NETWORK: ABC and affiliate stations

PROGRAM TITLE: "Saving Private Ryan" which was broadcast on:

BROADCAST DATE: November 11, 2004

BROADCAST TIME: 8:00PM Eastern /Pacific, 7:00PM Central/Mountain

Documentation of the material on which my COMPLAINT is based is provided below. Pre-written complaints available from the American Family Association.

COMPLAINANT believes that the language cited from "Saving Private Ryan" content are NON-offensive and are fully representative of REAL life and/or experiences.

COMPLAINANT also believes that such material is:

(a.) Clearly realistic according to the standards of my community; and

(b.) Especially offensive is the illegal attempt at censorship, because it was broadcast at an hour when millions of children's parent had the ability to change the channel.

For the reasons above stated, COMPLAINANT urges the FCC to exercise its responsibility and to enforce the existing law against Censorship by ADHERING TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and not a small group(appx 2million members) that uses deception and coercion to further their limited cause.

Documentation --------------

Below is the November 12, 2004 Internet letter urging their followers to falsely complain about the broadcast of "Saving Private Ryan". I believe that with the exception of the first form letter you receive that all other should be dismissed as tainted.



AFA Activism

Action Alert - 11/12/2004

File an indecency complaint against ABC for 'f' word and 's' word

File a formal complaint against ABC for airing indecent language during the November 11 ABC movie, Saving Private Ryan. WARNING: Because your complaint MUST CONTAIN the actual language used during the broadcast of Saving Private Ryan, it is included in the email text box below.


11/12/2004

Last night (November 11), the ABC network broadcast Saving Private Ryan .

We believe Saving Private Ryan accurately depicted what happens during fierce battles between two armies. The graphic depictions of atrocious injuries, mental stress, profane language, and brutality are likely common occurrences in war.

But ABC crossed the line by airing at least 20 "f" words and 12 "s" words during prime time viewing hours!

We realize it is important for families, especially our children, recognize the sacrifices made by our loved ones during wartime. However, airing excessively profane language during prime-time television hours is not necessary to convey that sacrifice. We believe ABC should have aired their salute to heroes without violating broadcast decency laws.

Despite the FCC finding the use of the "f" word indecent during the Golden Globe Awards last year, ABC flaunted the law by airing it at least 20 times!

The technology exists for ABC to easily have edited the movie's language without affecting its impact on the audience. The realities of war do not automatically give the ABC entertainment network FCC approval to air the "f" word and the "s" word on public airwaves during prime time viewing hours when children are likely be watching.

If ABC goes unchallenged, the door is open to these words being used anytime the networks choose! They can simply say the words were used "in context" to real life and get away with it.

It is vital that we not let ABC violate the law for the sake of an emotionally charged movie. If we do, we will pay a dear price on future movies and shows broadcast by the networks.

If your local ABC station broadcast "Saving Private Ryan," please file your complaint with the FCC. If you are not sure, follow this link to find contact information for your ABC station and call them to find out . <http://capwiz.com/afanet/dbq/media>

Please file a complaint against ABC for broadcasting indecency today!


Documentation --------------

In their own words - they are asking their followers to call their local stations and find out IF they even showed the movie, and then file a false complaint if they did. I ask you to use common sense and ask yourself - how can you be offended by something you did not hear or see?

COMPLAINANT RESPECTFULLY REQUESTS THAT THE FCC ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THIS COMPLAINT, AND THAT THE FCC KEEP ME INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS AND RESULTS OF YOUR INVESTIGATION INTO THIS MATTER.

does the fcc operate in canada as well?

does the fcc operate in canada as well?


For your sake I hope not, those RAT-BAS%ARDS :rolleyes: The fcc is a crock O sh@t organization IMHO ;)

does the fcc operate in canada as well?

No - they only have authority in the United States.

Don't you guys know that it is the Network's and FCC's jobs to raise your children?

Seriously, we all know that parents are too stupid to determine what TV their kids should and shouldn't watch!

















this is sarcasm btw

(b.) Especially offensive is the illegal attempt at censorship, because it was broadcast at an hour when millions of children's parent had the ability to change the channel.

Robb - I agree with you, it's ridiculous today. Many parents today expect society to raise their children, and instill family morals/values. When I was growing up the consensus was "if I don't like what you have to say I don't have to listen and change the channel", today it seems that instead the reality is "I don't like what you have to say therefore you don't deserve your right to free speech."

It is my opinion that the FCC has overstepped their bounds and are infringing on the Constitutional Rights of all people. Therefore I hate them.

F the FCC.

Of course the FCC sucks. Thats a given.

I personally think that Saving Private Ryan should be shown in all schools, un-edited. I think that every American student should have to view this film in order to graduate high school. No permission slips..... you either watch it or you dont get a diploma.

Since many homes have cable/satelite channels that run R and even X rated material, I don't see what FCC censorship accomplishes anyway. If the FCC were not in that business, they'd have an easy response to outraged parents-- turn it off or write to the TV stations. Like any business the networks would respond to their customers. If they deliver stuff that people don't like, then people won't watch and they'll lose Ad revenue.

Just as there are plenty of X-rated cable/satelite channels, ther are also plenty of G-rated channels that I'd let my kids watch all day (if I didn't think it would make them into vegetables). That's the market at work and the FCC should step-aside on network broadcast.

Since the FCC owns the airwaves, they can control them however they want (within the extent of the law). The power is going to their heads, since Colin is leaving let's hope his son (FCC chairman, Michael) follows.

And why should HS students have to see Saving Private Ryan, a fictional movie?

And why should HS students have to see Saving Private Ryan, a fictional movie?Because i said so. :D :p

I believe that, although fiction, it is the greatest visual depiction we have of WWII. I think everyone should be forced to witness the horrors of storming the beach, all the gore, all the horrors that our parents/grandparents/great grandparents who served in the military had to go through. It is an important part of our history.... and it depicts said history in a way that a book cannot.

And why should HS students have to see Saving Private Ryan, a fictional movie?

Why not? Some teachers are showing their students Fahrenheit 9/11, and that's fiction. :D

Why not? Some teachers are showing their students Fahrenheit 9/11, and that's fiction. :D
Some of it is, but it's mostly entertainment. They shouldn't be required to show that. Teachers show Lord of the Rings and I'm sure people feel that should be manditory too.

I've complained about the FCC enough, so I'm going to shut up.

The radio airwaves will ALWAYS be controlled by the FCC. The record industries and FCC have ties. If all music on public (not XM or Sirius) was unedited, everyone would just bootleg off the radio. Since it would put a damper on the record industry, they have made a bond ($$$)with the FCC to be a strict as possible. I may not be right, but it's (MINE) a damn good theory to think about........

You can't make everyone happy - I recently read that a school teacher in the Bible belt got fired for showing a Harry Potter film because it depicted/glorified the "Acceptance of a Pagen lifestyle".

And why should HS students have to see Saving Private Ryan, a fictional movie?
I believe that, although fiction, it is the greatest visual depiction we have of WWII.
Wrong! Try Band of Brothers. It is the most intense and hostorically accurate depiction of WWII to date. It follows 101 airborne through basic training, invasion of normandy, finding of concentration camps and Hitlers nest. Only on problem, its a 10-hour mini-series with an additional documentary with the real soldiers depicte din the film. Oh well, it would only take 2-weeks.

I agree, high schoolers should witness this real historic violence, not Hollywood.

Wrong! Try Band of Brothers. It is the most intense and hostorically accurate depiction of WWII to date. It follows 101 airborne through basic training, invasion of normandy, finding of concentration camps and Hitlers nest. Only on problem, its a 10-hour mini-series with an additional documentary with the real soldiers depicte din the film. Oh well, it would only take 2-weeks.

I agree, high schoolers should witness this real historic violence, not Hollywood.

That was an awesome mini-series, but it was still Hollywood, they all are to some respect. When is showed up on regular cable(History Channel - A&E?) I felt that it got hacked up pretty bad, which is why Speilberg has the clause in his contracts that his movies can no longer be edited for content or language.

I watched Band of Brothers and have it on DVD. However, i recommended SPR because it's short. I honestly dont see a history class devoting half a month to a mini-series. They could watch SPR on a Thursday and Friday. I dont think a student should have to watch SPR in class for the storyline.... hell for that matter they could just show the "storming the beach" scene and the "defending the bridge" scene and skip the rest of the movie.

I watched Band of Brothers and have it on DVD. However, i recommended SPR because it's short. I honestly dont see a history class devoting half a month to a mini-series. They could watch SPR on a Thursday and Friday. I dont think a student should have to watch SPR in class for the storyline.... hell for that matter they could just show the "storming the beach" scene and the "defending the bridge" scene and skip the rest of the movie.

whaa?? Who wants to miss Matt Damon?? ;)

Not only am I sick of the FCC...but for all the Howard Stern fans..Im sick of Stern always complaining about the FCC on the air. I listen to the Howard Stern show everyday...and everyday he complains how bout it. Its annoying.

Not only am I sick of the FCC...but for all the Howard Stern fans..Im sick of Stern always complaining about the FCC on the air. I listen to the Howard Stern show everyday...and everyday he complains how bout it. Its annoying.
Same here, but I think he has a right to complain. They really seem to only be targeting him. Oprah and those on her show can say whatever they want because Oprah keeps her mouth shut about high-office officials.

yeah true...but u dont have to complain bout it everyday. i heard him the first time he complained bout it which was over 3 months ago...

does the fcc operate in canada as well?

No, we just have to stomach the CRTC and all their Canadian content mandates. We've have both XM and Sirius LEGALLY available if they'd get their collective heads out of their arses and come into the 21st century.

it is always funny though when they cover swear words up with other words that aint even the same voice

That was an awesome mini-series, but it was still Hollywood,
True. At least the plot is historic, rather than some make believe story about saving a private whose brothers have all died. You also have the documentary of the living WW2 Vets depicted in the film, which stikes realism. This could be made into a 2-3 week WW2 history lesson.

I think you're missing my point about showing SPR in class..... its only for the students to see the horror of battle. As i said before, just show them the two battle scenes and skip the rest of the movie....

It wasn't in high school but for my last class in college we watched part of saving private ryan...

edoc

http://www.silvereagletaphouse.com/lighter.jpg

&

http://www.javajane.co.uk/mechanical_transport/tree_shredder_machine.jpg

They don't care. These are the devices they will use to insure your complaint is forwarded to the proper department :p

I say we disband the fcc, and give people control of the airwaves!

Dane