Some person's words are often received as irresponsible, reckless, and wanton. And in America we are supposed to be able to find that channel, that radio station, or that newspaper that may be broadcasting with that type of material, if we chose to do so. Thats why tuning knobs and newsstands were invented, to choose for yourself.
Five months ago I learned of an interesting court battle going on between our 9th circuit court and the Federal Communications Commission, involving the right of broadcast of a low power FM bilingual radio station in Berkeley. The court has refused to issue allow a request for an injunction against Stephen Dunnifer, the owner and principle transmitter for Free Radio Berkeley. The injunction is an order to cease and desist broadcasting, and make restitution for over $10,000 in proclaimed fines.
"If that amendment (the first amendment) can be curtailed because of irresponsible actions that offend many but hurt no one, what other erosion of our fundamental freedoms will be next?" Marrianne Means, Hearst Newspapers, 5-28-98.
