Safe Crackers

I saw the Smothers Brothers on TV recently. (I'm a big fan. If you get the chance, see their live show.) Tommy was complaining about how TV isn't as brave as it once was, and that there's a fear in the public.

I'm afraid Tommy is letting his nostalgia get the better of him. When the boys starred in their late 60s variety show, there was practically no political humor on the air, and the little that existed was toothless. (There was lots of other censorship as well.)

The stuff the Smothers did back then seemed so outrageous that they were forced off the air, but they'd hardly raise an eyebrow today. Now you can throw the most vile insults at a public figure and have no fear. In fact, the Smothers Brothers themselves regularly take advantage of this freedom, which they helped bring about, when they appear on the air these days.

Maybe Tommy feels bad because he's no longer a lone crusader, or a First Amendment martyr. Celebrate Tom, don't bemoan the passing of those exciting days when you were leading the march. Enjoy the fruits of your struggle.

And if you really want to protect TV's freedom, I'd suggest you campaign against anyone bringing back the Fairness Doctrine.