Parent Warning Label for 700 Club

Given Pat Robertson's ridiculous recent comments on Haiti's being cursed by the Devil, I figured it was time to dust this one off about his previous nonsense.

Originally posted on crossleft.org on 08/24/2005.

Pat Robertson's comments go beyond inflamatory, they incite violence. His description of graphic violence has yielded his television program unfit for children. The FCC should take action to fine the 700 Club and act to put a warning label for future broadcasts to ensure that parents can protect their children from hearing the encouragement of such horrific acts.

The quote: "If he thinks we're trying to assassinate him, I think we really ought to go ahead and do it," said Robertson Monday. "It's a whole lot cheaper than starting a war."

The Recording Industry has its warning label (after being pushed by Tipper Gore and the Christian right) that speaks directly to this quote:

"The Parental Advisory is a notice to consumers that recordings identified by this logo may contain strong language or depictions of violence, sex or substance abuse. Parental discretion is advised."

I tend to agree with this label...and I think it should be applied across the spectrum. Strong language of violence should get the label smacked on the show. Of course this is for records, not for TV.

For TV, a different rating system is in place that can be used in concert with a V-Chip to protect children.

Parents Strongly Cautioned
This program contains some material that many parents would find unsuitable for children under 14 years of age. Parents are strongly urged to exercise greater care in monitoring this program and are cautioned against letting children under the age of 14 watch unattended. This program contains one or more of the following: intense violence (V), intense sexual situations (S), strong coarse language (L), or intensely suggestive dialogue (D).

I would suggest that inciting assasination attempts would fit under intense violence and/or strong coarse language.

Any good lawyers out there who want to pursue this with the FCC or in court?