The American citizens from Puerto Rico who signed these petitions are crying out for action. I respectfully submit these petitions for inclusion in the FCC record. I respectfully ask that my fellow Commissioners ponder what answer we can give to the grievances of these 30,000 citizens. As to the subject of indecent broadcasting, I also ask my colleagues whether you will consider adopting a procedure that facilitates, rather than frustrates, proper review of our citizens complaints. Access to the courts is a hallmark of American jurisprudence.
Access is ensured by simple notice pleading rules.
It should not be more difficult for an American to file a complaint for indecency that reaches their children with the FCC than a complaint for slamming. In sum, and as I stated before, we are giving short shrift to the issue of the effects of violent and sexual programming on our nation s children. In doing so, we fail our obligations to our fellow Americans and we fail in our duty to protect and safeguard our children. The noxious effects of violence and sex over the airwaves on young, developing, and impressionable minds is a health hazard that we should face head-on, with determination and conviction. None of us would hesitate to act if our children were being physically violated, but too many of us fail to act when our children s minds are violated.