Savage Distortion

THAT WAS FAST

I smell a staffer, but I respect the reply:

November 17, 2004

Mr. Edward Wilson
xxxxxx Street
2f
Nyack, New York 10960

Dear Mr. Wilson:

Thank you for sharing with me your concerns regarding
broadcasters and their accountability for the materials aired on
their systems. I agree that the most basic civil liberty, the
foundation for all other freedoms, is the freedom of speech.
Indeed, it is important to ensure that the basic and necessary
functions of government do not infringe upon the freedoms
guaranteed to the American people under the Constitution.

Nevertheless, I believe that it is also important for broadcasters to
take the content of their programming into account when they
broadcast to wide audiences. Broadcasters who have use of the
public's airwaves also have an obligation to serve the public
interest. Certainly, exposing impressionable viewers such as
children to explicit or graphic material has a questionable public
interest value and broadcasters should have the responsibility to
ensure that their material is appropriate for the audiences they
reach.

However, I certainly believe that a dedication to preserving
individual liberties such as speech and expression while protecting
children from inappropriate materials are not mutually exclusive.
Please be assured that I will continue to be vigilant to ensure that
future actions by the government or the Federal Communications
Commission to curb the content of programming do not
unnecessarily curb legitimate expressions of speech. As the debate
over this issue continues, I will be sure to keep your views in mind.

Again, thank you for writing. Please check my website at
http://clinton.senate.gov for updates on this and other important
issues being discussed before the United States Senate.

Sincerely yours,
Hillary Rodham Clinton