Remember the Smothers Brothers? Censorship Is Nothing New

smothers-brothers-1af3c0c09b8d2dfc5c533b8b886f2f1bb0e931bd-s6-c30More and more, it is coming to the light that the “free” press is pressured and controlled by the corporations that own the media. These corporations have most likely “bought and paid for” the candidate of their choosing and expect the spin to always be in said politico’s favor.

The only way to get real news about the United States and what is really happening is to go to a foreign news source. These sources are less likely to candy coat or spin the issues. It can be a real eye opener.  Should a journalist here in the US try to step out in truth, they will be quickly squashed and suppressed. The bosses get the tongue lashing from the political power. That defecation rolls down hill and so on.  However, this is not new, but it is only worsening.

If anyone remembers Richard Nixon and the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, the point is easily proven.

The Smothers Brothers found themselves in direct conflict with the CBS’ network censors. The show catered to the counter culture that was sweeping the country in the late 60’s and early 70’s.  Regardless of the controversy, it was hilarious and wildly popular with viewers.  The guests and writers of the show were in direct conflict with the mainstream. The president, Richard Nixon, was often the butt of many jokes. The Vietnam War was another unpopular issue that was bandied about in satire.  In fact, a documentary on the show and its’ suppression has been aired on Public Television with Tommy Smothers narrating.

Another example that comes to mind is the movie starring Robin Williams called Good Morning Vietnam.  Loosely based the experiences of an AFRS DJ during the Vietnam War, Adrian Cronauer is a very popular military DJ, played by Williams. He is frustrated at his inability to report the actual news. The military censors received the telex reports of the happenings in the area. The crossed out anything that would be considered controversial. The denouement of the movie occurred when Robin Williams’ character refused to be censored and reported all of the news that was forbidden.

An article written on LiberalOutcast.com entitled Liberal Blogger & Journalist Shows How Most News Is Controlled For Political Purposes by is an example of the frustration and awakening of a liberal writer.  Being a liberal is usually a pass to say what is on your mind without any road blocks. However, even the liberals in the press corps are herded toward the vision statement and political leanings of the powers that be.

How can we have a free press if it is controlled? Have we already lost the First Amendment?  In Idaho we definitely have. The governor signed a cancellation of the 1st Amendment into law.  The Ag-Gag law will jail anyone who does undercover filming inside production areas where animals are husbanded.  I do not in any way advocate animal abuse and I can understand why a business would not want their operations filmed if there are industry secrets that could be copied.

All that being said, it is completely irresponsible to pass a law that restricts free press.  How can the truth reach the masses if it is controlled?  The country is in a sorry state that has been on the downhill slide where freedom of speech is concerned.  I tremble to think what will happen if it is not checked in a hurry. Everything we have ever stood for is at stake here.  Please stand up and be counted. Fight for our First Amendment rights.

Candace Hardin Littlejohn

Georgia PolitiChick Candace Hardin Littlejohn lives in Atlanta, Georgia, but grew up in Western North Carolina. She has been greatly influenced in her writing by the culture in the Appalachians. Candace attributes her love of words to her Mother, who taught her to read at four years old. She is the creator and publisher of the literary magazine, Bohemian Renaissance, a magazine designed to launch emerging writers to publication, while providing good literature and art free to the community. Candace is 100% fluent in Spanish and a student of Latin. She loves dogs and spending time with friends and family. Visit Candace's website: http://kandisays.blogspot.com/

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