How do you feel about this?

[originalpckelly]

OPENING STATEMENT BY SENATOR GORE



Senator GORE. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I would like to thank you and commend you for calling this hearing. Because my wife has been heavily involved in the evolution of this issue, I have gained quite a bit of familiarity with it, and I have really gained an education in what is involved.

The two most important things I have learned which have changed my initial attitude to this whole concern are, No. 1, the proposals made by those concerned about this problem do not involve a Government role of any kind whatsoever. They are not asking for any form of censorship or regulation of speech in any manner, shape, or form.

What they are asking for is whether or not the music industry can show some self-restraint and working together in a manner similar to that used by the movie industry, whether or not they can come up with a voluntary guide system for parents who wish to exercise what they believe to be their responsibilities to their children, to try to prevent their children from being exposed to material that is not appropriate for them.

The second thing I have learned over the past several months is that the kind of material in question is really very different from the kind of material which has caused similar controversies in past generations. It really is very different, and I think those who have not become familiar with this material will realize that fact when they see some of the examples that involve extremely popular groups that get an awful lot of play, some of the most popular groups around now.

I was interested when the hearing was first announced to have the opportunity to ask the heads of the record companies whether or not they felt some responsibility. I am told by staff that every single one of the chief executive officers invited to participate chose to decline that invitation.

I fully understand that, but I wanted to note that fact for the record, and I think that they should take a look at what their companies are doing and just ask themselves as human beings whether or not this is the way they want to spend their lives, if this is the way they want to earn a living, if this is the kind of contribution they want to make to the society in which we live.

No one is proposing or contemplating the government answering that question for them, but as citizens of this country it seems to me we have the right to ask them whether or not they wish to answer the question, and I hope that they will. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

http://www.joesapt.net/superlink/shrg99-529/p4.html#agopenstmt

http://www.joesapt.net/superlink/shrg99-529/p10.html#pmrc

[jgraz]

1. I'd like it better if it was left-justified

That way, I might be actually able to read it.

[MrCoffee]

2. oh man...

i couldn't figure out why i was having such a hard time with that!


i need to go lay down or something. :rofl:

[originalpckelly]

3. I fixed it.(nt)

[MrCoffee]

4. i don't have a problem with it, if that's what you're asking

it's not like he's burning cd's in the Capitol rotunda.

[originalpckelly]

6. Has it worked?

:shrug:

[jgraz]

5. Honestly, I wondered about his priorities when he and Tipper were on this kick

But that was the old Al. Bring on Al Gore (v2.0)!!!!