Sensitivity, not censorship

The Sept. 11 attacks have changed America forever, in almost every sphere of life. The economy, politics, religion and even the entertainment industry have all been affected by the huge loss of life and the loss of security. There has been a build up of fear, and with fear comes panic. And everyone has become increasingly careful, particularly in entertainment.\nNBC pushed back premiere week in the wake of the tragedy. Blockbuster stores across the country have been putting warning labels on any video that contains terrorist content.\nNBC's "Alias" and Fox's "24" have been put on hold for the time being, as they both contain "CIA" themes, according to CNN.com. CNN also reports that "24" was particularly touchy because it contains the destruction of a passenger plane by a terrorist. "The Agency," a CBS show, involves a plot by several terrorists to blow up a department store.\nBill Maher, host of ABC's late night television show "Politically Incorrect," recently came under fire for comments he made about the terrorists. In a discussion about the events and character of the terrorists, Maher said the terrorists were mislabeled as cowards. According to The New York Times, Maher said "We have been the cowards, lobbing cruise missiles from 2,000 miles away. That's cowardly. Staying in the airplane when it hits the building, say what you want about it, it's not cowardly." \nThe New York Times also reported that "Ari Fleischer, the White House press secretary, denounced Mr. Maher, saying of news organizations, and all Americans, that 'in times like these people have to watch what they say and watch what they do.'" \nGranted, Maher's position might not be a popular point of view, but expressing views, whether they are popular or not, is a part of being American. Maher may be right, and he may be wrong. A lot of people may support this view, and a lot of people may not. But if Americans are really recommitted to their country and its ideals in the aftermath of the tragedy, they should be able to accept the fact that we are still entitled to free speech. The American flags flying in practically every window are not just pieces of cloth -- they have principles behind them.\nDuring the Red Scare in America, the government was very wary of what people were saying and doing. People were afraid of a war with Communist enemies. People were arrested for saying something even remotely suspicious. Today, we are also afraid. But we cannot let it get to the point where mainstream society and even the government punishes people for their views.\nEveryone deals with tragedy differently, and what might be right for one American is not right for all Americans. We all want to live in a safe, happy country, but it is certain that we will not give up our basic constitutional rights to do so.\n