You've all heard the good news - we have the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee on board. He believes that Rush Limbaugh should be removed from American Forces Network (AFN). That is the good news.
The bad news is that Levin wants AFN to do this of their own volition:
"I would hope the people that run it see just how offensive this is and drop it on their own volition," Levin told CNN. "I think that is probably an issue that should be left to the folks that run that network. ... In other words, I'd love to see them drop it, but I don't think I'd legislate it."
Folks, we have been trying for years to get rid of Limbaugh for his offensive behavior. The folks at AFN turn to a long history of fighting this battle and they are consistent in answering with this:
The American Forces Network does not censor content and they do not seek to protect the overseas Department of Defense audience from hearing views with which they may disagree. Their mission is to offer program choices, which includes both the one-hour versions and three-hour version of various popular political talk shows.
h/t to KnotIooking, http://www.dailykos.com/...
This is an issue that shouldn't need legislation. All it needs is enough outspoken Senators and Represenatives calling the AFN offices and Secretary Panetta. See my
first and
second diaries on the topic of Congressional Inquiries.
The right wing is working hard to make this an issue of Freedom of Speech.
This is an issue of Freedom from Sexual Harassment for all female members of the military community. That would mean everyone, our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines as well as wives and daughters of them all. Every time Limbaugh is heard on military airwaves, his misogynist rants reinforce sexism in those that are already inclined to act in sexist ways. It is unacceptable in today's military to work and/or live in a climate of hate.
Yesterday, 8 women filed to sue our government for failure to take them seriously. How much longer do we have to live this way? We are in the 21st Century and women should no longer fear serving beside the men in our military. Yet the latest report on Sexual Assault in the military says,
The numbers indicate that cases of rape and sexual assault have not decreased, and that the military is no closer to ending this crisis in the ranks.
We know that the vast majority of our servicemen are honorable. It's those last few who feel empowered by the likes of Limbaugh that continue to treat women as second class citizens. Enough!
Sign the petition to both Levin and McCain. Share among your networks please! Let's get this job done!