Howard, Bernie, and HR1440

bernie
Originally uploaded by dangunderman.

OK, so sometimes I listen to Howard Stern. I acquired a taste in college thanks to a girlfriend who had her clock radio set to him, because he was the only thing that could get her angry enough to get out of bed and turn him off. Meanwhile, I began to think he was funny.

In local politics Howard often supports candidates I can't stand - Giuliani, Pataki, Whitman. But his anti-Bush campaigning during the '04 election was well-documented, passionate, and heartwarming. And whatever you think of him personally or of his motivations, Howard is probably the best free-speech advocate in the US today.

Today I was pleased to hear left-wing independent congressman Bernie Sanders of Vermont on the show, calling to inform listeners of a bill he sponsored, HR1440, which will help keep the FCC's grubby paws off of cable television and satellite radio. Bernie's argument is simple enough: "How good would The Sopranos be if Tony couldn't say the f-word?"

God bless Bernie for publicizing an issue that so many cowards are afraid to touch, and God bless Howard for giving him the platform. Call your congressfolks today and have them support HR1440. They listen to phone calls more than all those petitions the left circulates.

And not only did Bernie show up at the Brattleboro Literary Festival last year (a Hall Farm program), but he enjoyed some cake!