In order to clean-up our image, we are voluntarily subjecting ourselves to a five-second delay.
It seems that George Carlin’s, “Seven Words You Can’t Say on Television” has now reached the apex of absurdity.
NASCAR, and its sanctioning body has recently fined driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., $10,000 for using the “S word” in a post-race interview.
I admit I’m not a big fan of watching cars run aimlessly around in circles anymore than I’m a fan of tennis, golf, beach volleyball or wrestling, but to impose a fine because some idiot announcer from NBC Sports asks Earnhardt to compare his five wins with his legendary father’s 10 wins at the same track, and then, in the same breath, claim that the fine is some form of a redeeming act as NASCAR seeks to clean-up their image, is the height of hypocrisy.
The “clean-up their image” remark is a slap in the face of those drivers who made the sport what it is today. I suppose that part of their clean-up campaign was to also remove races from the tracks which failed to turn a big enough profit.
It’s too bad that money has reared its ugly head in yet another attempt to drive the average American away from a sport. I guess eventually part of their clean-up campaign will be to remove the good-old-boy image not only from the drivers, but from fans alike. I wonder how long it will be before T-shirts are not considered proper attire at a race track?
I understand that it is not the monetary fine that has Earnhardt so upset, but rather (I wonder what it is about that word? I know it’s not in Carlin’s “Seven”) the decision by NASCAR to include docking him 25 points as he attempts to win his first championship
Heaven forbid if he was to win the championship and then be forced to answer yet another insane question
“Tell us Dale. How does this compare with your father winning seven championships?”
George Carlin ain’t heard nothin’ yet.
I’m not advocating cursing by any stretch of the imagination, but aren’t we all subjected to four-letter words every time we turn on the radio or television? From the news to soap operas to the children’s hour (Now there’s a fallacy) to prime-time, curse words abound. The five-second delay is certainly not the answer either. All you need to do is master the art of lip reading and whamo! Have you ever seen Joe Torre get up in an umpire’s face?
My father once said that any person who has to resort to inserting curse words into a sentence is merely showing his true ignorance. If a person can’t talk without cursing he might as well not talk at all. I’m glad my father is not around today to witness the likes of Howard Stern.
And speaking of Stern, and his transition to “Schlobohm Radio.” I’m sorry, that’s Sirius Radio. While my colleague indeed advocates Sirius radio as an alternative to commercial radio for its good music, paying $12.95 per month just knowing that Stern, in 2006, will be lurking somewhere on the dial is not my idea of money well spent.
So where do we draw the line on freedom of speech? Do we fine certain individuals and not others? Do we limit cursing to a certain time of day?
Are satellite TV and radio exempt from fines?
Why are certain books banned in schools? Why is the government not subjected to fines as is the average citizen?
Didn’t the vice president, not more than a couple of months ago, tell some senator where he could get off?
Bill O’Reilly called Howard Dean a son of a b—- last month and nothing happened. Perhaps it’s a pick and choose attitude which cannot be condoned. What’s good for the goose must be also be administered to the gander.
I don’t claim to know the social history of cursing, but I do know this, in America our freedom of speech is protected by the U.S. Constitution, and I certainly don’t foresee any politician doltish enough to advocate amending Article I.
Earnhardt is appealing his fine and forfeiture of points. I hope he wins. In 2006, Stern will send his voice into outer space. I sincerely hope it leaves our solar system.
And then, there is human nature. Sometimes we just need to curse and there isn’t an 11th commandment.
Ever wonder what the first word out of Moses’ mouth was when he saw the burning bush?
From the Cannon Corner, I’m Larry French, and I approved this message.

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