alt Hacker NewsI'm disappointed by the discussion on this submission. Here's a list of things that would be encouraged by the main text of the request [1]:
- The national anthem / pledge of allegiance (explicitly suggested by the text)
- Civics-related stuff -- information about voting, how laws are passed, the branches of govt, the separation of powers, etc.
- Arts that are "truly" American -- Blues, Jazz, Rock n Roll, etc. I know there will be disagreement about what counts as "American", but it's clear that there are some art forms that wouldn't exist without America's unique mixture of cultures.
- Things about America's history -- speeches from George Washington/Lincoln/MLK/Other significant figures, the musical Hamilton, the emancipation proclamation, the text from the statue of liberty, discussion of Japanese internment camps, the history of Hawaii/Peurto Rico/Alaska/Any relevant state, etc
I think those would all be positive. I'm sure there will also be some less inclusive parts that will endorsed by some broadcasters (I think discussion of that is good, but not endorsement). Carr's message is not asking for that, it's just encouraging an increased focus on America.
[1] https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-418890A1.pdf
Replies
"I think these would be positive"
is fine. The problem is the rest of the sentence:
"...and I am the government, and I order you to broadcast my message, and also you can't say these other things I dislike, or I will revoke your ability to operate at all."
It's disappointing to see this point missed: this isn't a random person sharing their opinion, it is both government-mandated speech and literal censorship.
> Things about America's history -- speeches from George Washington/Lincoln/MLK/Other significant figures
Is there a source for this? I'd be little surprised if they encouraged airing MLK's speeches, but the linked document doesn't mention MLK, or encourage airing historical speeches of any kind.