April 21, 2013

Is this how we get FCC rulings nowadays?


Via The Hollywood Reporter:
After thanking Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick and the city’s police department, Ortiz yelled “This is our f---ing city!” Ortiz added: “And nobody's going to dictate our freedom. Stay strong.”

The game against the Kansas City Royals was broadcast nationally on MLBN, as well as regionally on NESN. It was also carried on local radio stations WEEI 850 and WUFC 1510.

But Ortiz’s f-bomb isn’t going to land him in hot water with the FCC, with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski tweeting his blessing from the government agency’s official Twitter account.
If you're trying to remember what the current state of the law is on "fleeting expletives" and broadcasting, here's an NYT article from last June: "Can You Say That on TV? Broadcasters Aren’t Sure." Photo of Genachowski at the link.

86 comments:

furious_a said...

Commissioner Gehachowski at least used an official twitter account, as opposed to this adminstation's practice of using offsite emails to avoid FOIA requests.

Ann Althouse said...

Video at the link. I'd had it embedded before, but the embed still displayed an ad. It's bad enough to have to play an ad when a video starts. I don't put ads on my own videos. But to have an embedded video work as ad display space... not doing that here.

Ann Althouse said...

Should the govt be this cute?

Julius ...

AllenS said...

What is Genachowski indicating with his two thumbs and two fingers. It's a measure of something, but what? The mind reels.

Ann Althouse said...

"What is Genachowski indicating with his two thumbs and two fingers?"

He's coming to tickle us.

Someone's small penis is slightly larger than someone else's.

Sorun said...

It's just normal now for black guys to loudly say all the variants of "fuck" in public. It's from the heart. And the soul. Don't forget the soul.

Tim said...

I don't have a problem with Ortiz's statement given its context.

The substance of the FCC's response is fair and reasonable.

The manner in which it was delivered is off-putting.

I certainly don't take this government too seriously (as in thinking it competent in the far too many things it tries to do), but if this is a serious edit of the commission, shouldn't the commission treat it as such? Of course they should.

Suppose the IRS tweeting out the results of income tax evasion investigations?

Tim said...

edit = edict.

I write edit many more times than I do edict, by far.

More coffee, please.

furious_a said...

What is Genachowski indicating with his two thumbs and two fingers.

G.I. Joe w/Kung Fu Grip!

...or...

Texas Tech Spirit!

Aridog said...

Altshouse said ...

Someone's small penis is slightly larger than someone else's.

Perchance comparing his famous classmate and himself?

Unknown said...

edit
edict

At this point what difference does it make?

Renee said...

Today I went to Mass. I live well enough outside the affected perimeter, but many of the injured lived in our Greater Lowell area. We prayed for those affected, law enforcement, and even the bomber. Actually some time reflecting as Christians, as much as we want justice, we also give an opportunity for forgiveness.

Some of the locals have made comment this week, that using franchise logos in the B-Strong statement isn't appropriate. I'm not a baseball fan, in fact I sort of dislike professional sports because it is a form of idol worship here in Boston.

The Interfaith services was great with religious and political leaders. Mayor Tom Menino did very well, but well there is a lack of class with sports fans. There are many people who would wear a 'Yankees Suck' T-shirt to Fenway, before they banned him a few years ago.

It is a poor representation of Boston our of tragedy, but unfortunately a true one.


Really I don't care if Neil Diamond flew into Boston, so he could sing Sweet Caroline...

But you're reading a post from a woman who just passed up two free Red Sox tickets this morning.... from a friend who couldn't go.

Ironically I got the text during Mass. And responded with a quick 'No, I can't' during Mass, so she could offer the tickets to someone else.

yes, I texted in Mass.

furious_a said...

Someone's small penis is slightly larger than someone else's.

It's always about the penis, isn't it?

AllenS said...

Ann Althouse said...
Someone's small penis is slightly larger than someone else's.

That was my first thought. His and who else's?

Maybe it's the two bombers weenies.

Unknown said...

The commissioner is a Boston native - fyi.

Renee said...

Lovely Photo Gallery from the Washington Post how Lowell was affected.

Pain of Boston Marathon bombing is felt in Lowell

bagoh20 said...

I find the municipal bravado a little embarrassing considering the whole city was hiding inside their homes from a single wounded teenager on the run. I bet any future bombers see it that way too. They can't wait for their chance to shut down Denver, Atlanta, or most enticing, the nation's capital - a gun free zone.

Renee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Renee said...

We didn't know if he was wounded, and he was throwing pressure cooker bombs and home made grenades out of the car, when he was being chased by police, and didn't care when he ran over his own brother.


Hello? Forgot those details?

Wince said...

When does this become viewpoint discrimination?

A "fleeting expletive" is facially viewpoint neutral, but doesn't the FCC chairman Genachowski make it sound like he's endorsing the exception because of the speech's content?

Tim said...

"...but well there is a lack of class with sports fans. There are many people who would wear a 'Yankees Suck' T-shirt to Fenway, before they banned him a few years ago."

I've been going to baseball and football games for more than 40 years now - that's true, but not totally true.

Is it cruder than it used to be? Sure, but not everyone who goes to a game is a classless, potty-mouth drunk.

And, some of those who are, are only so during the game; i.e., it's an outlet for aggression and frustration, just like comment threads on the internet. Better there than on the freeways, workplaces, classrooms or homes.

I, myself, am almost always a perfect gentleman everywhere I go; yet at Niner games, at opportune moments (there's often a quick moment of silence right after a play ends) I'll shout out for the defense to break the opposing team's QB's fucking legs.

I don't do it often (about only twice a year), but everyone now and again. And, it always seems to get a laugh. And I never do it while children are around.

And, for the most part, the people around me are pretty well behaved too. They're into the game, no doubt - but they aren't picking fights with people, or spilling beers on each other, or asking cute girls to show their tits (like at rock concerts).

Giants games are better that way. Baseball seems to lend itself better to a relaxing posture more so than football. I wouldn't be surprised to discover they sell more beer per capita at baseball games, but have less violence per capita than football too.

Renee said...



From the Boston Globe...


An MIT police officer was killed Thursday night, his body found shot multipe times in his cruiser, at about 10:30 p.m. in Cambridge. Then a carjacking was reported. Officers pursued the car, which turned out to contain the two Tsarnaevs, who threw explosives at them.

The elder brother was shot by police early Friday in a gun battle at Dexter and Laurel streets in Watertown, in which, officials said, the brothers wielded improvised explosive devices and homemade grenades. A doctor who treated Tamerlan Tsarnaev also said he had some blast-type injuries. “It was more than gunshot wounds,” said Dr. Richard Wolfe of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. “We believe a combination of blasts, multiple gunshot wounds.”

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev was so desperate to escape he ran over his brother as he lay wounded. He later abandoned the car on Spruce Street in Watertown and fled on foot, disappearing from sight, officials said.

Law enforcement mobilized, sending legions of heavily-armed police officers to search a 20-block area of the community. At the same time, Governor Deval Patrick took an unprecedented security step, asking people in Boston, Watertown, and several other nearby communities — totaling a million people — to “shelter in place” — stay at home behind locked doors and open up only to police officers with proper identification.

--------------

The state asked those affected to stay in place, no one was arrested. There were people walking around Boston, and even driving. Those in the affected complied with the request, because there was a teenager at risk of killing people.

You would of stayed in as well.

Tim said...

"...or most enticing, the nation's capital - a gun free zone."

Copywrite this, pronto.

Its the screen play for "Escape from DC," in which Snake Plissken unites the city's armed donut-eaters with DC's drug gangs to combat the al-Queda-like terrorists who've rendered a city in perpetual lock-down due to their ongoing bombing campaign. Lobbyists for the poverty pimps suffer the most...

Anonymous said...

The communications czar gave Ortiz his blessing...as President Obama made a sudden and surprise appearance on the Jumbotron, from behind his teleprompter.

Mikaela Jacobson, 14, of Dorchester, had to be carried away due to a fainting spell, as she was unprepared for the emotional intensity of the moment.

Leader Obama gave the crowd his blessing as well:

"People of this great nation, I do not see individuals, I see a hue of beige faces and masses of potential voters."

*Frenzied applause*

"Let me be clear, in the course of events, sometimes we Americans need to come together and be exploited for political advantage. We can't do it alone."

*Cheering*

"Yes, we can."

*Cheering*

"In closing, America, we need to stay the course, united under a terrible economy, political favoritism, distraction, petty politics, and bad law"

"May God Bless America!"

*Cheering, Laughter, Tears of Joy and Emotion and fulfilled journey-traveling*

furious_a said...

It's *Manny* Ortiz, not *David* Ortiz, you chowdahheads...

...sez the man who couldn't reach home plate.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

So is this the next acceptable community standard that the carpetbagging Althousians will over-rule from afar, high atop their anti-federalist high chairs?

Pretty nice of Sorun to throw in a racial angle to the non-story. That's obviously what this almost-event was sorely missing. We know we can count on your guys here for stuff like that.

Thanks for providing this valuable service.

bagoh20 said...

Renee, I saw the photos of a totally shut down city, and so will every terrorist and wanna-be terrorist. If you think this kid was a scary threat sufficient to warrant that, what will we do when the pros show up. I would stay in if it was happening in my neighborhood, of course, but this guy wasn't launching ICBMs.

edutcher said...

You didn't hear this after 9/11.

Interesting how the FCC under Choom lets everything slide if they're "his" people.

bagoh20 said...

Shorter Ritmo: "Shut up people, you have no right to criticize the government."

That's all you're really saying.

Renee said...

bagoh20,

take a day or two and think about what just occurred,

when the pros show up, we will be at war then... so having 'a snow day' wasn't much of a sacrifice of our freedoms.

Every time the bank gets robbed in my neighborhood, my children's school goes into lock down.

We once had to 'shelter in' a funeral Mass in our parish, due to a robbery, and everyone lost their freedom for a whole hour.

bagoh20 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
bagoh20 said...

Renee, I think it's you who will think differently after some time. I'm not saying it was a loss of freedom; it was voluntary. I'm saying it was counterproductive in very serious long term way. It was a reaction based on fear, and that's exactly the point of terrorism or any other asymmetrical warfare - to get the stronger force to overreact. We turned a failure into a victory for them.

m stone said...

bagoh makes a good point, not popular, but solid.

Renee said...

They didn't stay inside out of fear, just an easier way of finding him if everyone stayed off the streets and shut down public transit.

Fear did exist in Watertown/Cambridge though.

Renee said...

You know just as you stay off the street, so the snow plows can do their job.

Baron Zemo said...

Well what do you expect.

The Red Sox are a classless organization that had to trade the whole team last season because they were busy eating chicken and drinking beer during the game.

And that was the white guys!

Baron Zemo said...

It Ted Williams disembodied head was awake he would say that was racist. True. But racist.

bagoh20 said...

Here's another problem I have with what happened in Boston. How do authorities decide from now on when to call for such a shut down. The fact that people seem to be alright with it will make them less likely to resist doing it for every threat, and they risk criticism if they don't, and anyone gets killed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's a mess of a precedent, and not good for authorities or anyone else.

In fact, the only people I think will benefit will be those trying to control and harm us with limited resources. We know who that is.

What if there is serious bomb threat now? Should the authorities ask everyone to stay inside? Why not?

bagoh20 said...

Anyway, this is a bit of a derailing of the subject, sorry.

I disagree with saying "fuck" on a broadcast. Another soon to be regretted precedent.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Shorter Bag o' Douche:

"Shut up Boston! You have no right to determine for yourself what your own government can do!"

That's really all you're saying.

Keep your Harry Reamer back in LALA Land.

Skipper said...

If this represents contemporary government procedures, aren't law schools rendered obsolete?

Renee said...

Yeah, why not? It was asked of us.


Everyone was free to go outside, OK?

They did stop a funeral from occurring in Watertown, and only in Watertown was a neighborhood was blocked off.

Considering the events of what occurred in the early morning hours.... most people decided to stay in.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

I disagree with saying "fuck" on a broadcast. Another soon to be regretted precedent.

Oh, for Christ's sake. What FCC allows is supposed to reflect local community standards.

But you're just a nationless conglomerate who only wants to find the right help for wiping your ass so what would you know - let alone care - about local, community standards anyway?

Carry on, tyrant.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Bag o' Harry Reams sez he can buy Boston so they have no right to their own local control.

No word yet on whether they've accepted his offer.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Anyone else willing to take up Bag's cause of making sure that no one respects what local communities are allowed to decide to do in order to assist their law enforcement efforts?

I sense a dwindling of support for his anti-federalist conserva-carpet-baggerism.

traditionalguy said...

The commissioner is a George Patton talker and that talk sends the attitude to his troops that we intend to win.

And t church Lady language police can STFU.

bagoh20 said...

Am I the only one who sees all this as a massive over-reaction? All the media coverage, the hours of breathless commentary, the public statements by officials all the way to the President. I saw an "expert" today on TV talking about thousands of people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after this, and on and on. I think it's mass hysteria.

Many many more people were killed in Texas and it's almost a non-event. Many more people were killed this week by young crazy men in cities across the country, and we don't even think about it. The things most likely to negatively effect us personally are ignored and this becomes the entirety of the news. I think we have lost our minds.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Bag's efforts to instill some anarchy and discord into Boston's admirable, and mutually respectful working relationship between the community and law enforcement sound like they're Straight outta Compton.

Seriously. We're opening up the discussion board to advice from a guy who might just so happen to think that the 1992 riots are a model of civic freedom. Does any major city in recent history have a worse relationship with a more corrupt police force than Los Angeles?

He should look at his own backyard first.

Incredible. The lack of introspection.

bagoh20 said...

"Yeah, why not? It was asked of us. "

That's exactly what I mean. Now all any crazy bastard has to do is make a credible threat, and you are willing to shut down whole cities. I don't believe you have thought this through.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

After Angelino Bag buys the city of Boston and appoints himself Mayor, he'll probably christen the city with an anthem of its own.

I thought of posting the lyrics, but didn't want to violate any supposedly nationalized FCC standards.

bagoh20 said...

Ritmo, someone is making a fool of you today, and it's not me this time. I'm not even going to help him today.

Renee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Renee said...

It wasn't a 'credible threat', the guy was actually throwing bombs and grenades out of the car after killing an MIT police officer execution style.

That isn't a threat... that's an action of terror.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Rodney King?

So Bag, how about Ice Cube as Food Inspector? It's time for the appointments to be made. Mark Furman as Chief of Police. FOX isn't paying the guy enough.

edutcher said...

Renee said...

The state asked those affected to stay in place, no one was arrested. There were people walking around Boston, and even driving. Those in the affected complied with the request, because there was a teenager at risk of killing people.

You would of stayed in as well.


I don't know about that, but the usual procedure is that people are advised to bolt their doors, etc., but no one talks about a "lockdown". This happens all the time with escaped criminals, circus animals on the loose, and hazmat spills, so we're talking about something above and beyond the usual steps here with language of an extreme nature in a situation where the odds of someone being hurt were no greater.

Keep in mind also, the Globe is owned by the Gray Lady, so their version is not necessarily the be-all and end-all. Were there arrests made under other charges, but essentially because someone was violating "lockdown"?

This is all happening on a weekend, so it's going to take a couple of days to see what's what.

el polacko said...

so weren't all of the other folks who have been cited by the FCC for saying 'fuck' also speaking from their hearts ? what's the test for heart-speaking ?

The rule of Lemnity said...

I saw that and I cringed.
But then I thought my cringing might have to do more with the idea of Big Papy with a loud speaker microphone on his hand.

We pay him to swing the bat.
And from where I sit, he should stick to that.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Renee, you have to understand Mr. Bag o Water. He comes from a town where riots are the #1 defense against police corruption and/or widespread violence. His idea of local protection consists of Korean grocers arming themselves to the max to prevent the looting that the discredited cops are too scared to do.

So his outlook might be a bit skewed, you see. Cut him some slack. Or pay him (which is what he's used to).

Aridog said...

bagoh20 said...

Am I the only one who sees all this as a massive over-reaction? All the media coverage, the hours of breathless commentary, the public statements by officials all the way to the President....

No, you are not. Although I've disagreed with part of your position [any action that succeeds is fine by me...no quibbling], I've agreed with part as well [next time will be worse, harder, harsher]. In this instance, the publicity overall, I agree completely...over the top. All sides seem to be debating now how best to benefit from a crisis and the melodrama.

My opinion on Ft Hood and Major Hasan has been cited here before...our leadership is fucking nuts and have done virtually nothing to prevent the next Major Hasan, but have paraded the mess before us constantly....not one person who should be accountable for Hasan's promotion and transfer, rather than separation, for cause and 2nd pass-over, will be charged. Article 15's are not enough, if any were applied.

It is precisely leadership like that with Hasan's disposition that brought us Boston last Monday.

bagoh20 said...

So Renee, what would you not want the city shut down for? Where would you draw the line, and if it was miles away from you, are you still going to stay in the house. And do you really think this will work for long before people start ignoring the curfews. Then when we really need one, it won't be possible.

Again, where do you draw the line?

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Renee:

In the words of Eazy E, Bag's attitude is:

You think I give a damn about a bitch? I ain't a sucka!

But yet, he's got all the answers for Boston and how their community-law enforcement relationship should work. We should listen to him. It's the most cost-free form of homage that we can pay him. At least a few rungs down the ladder from tribute.

Renee said...

People were walking, driving, going to work, and taking public transit... you just couldn't go to Copley Square because it was a crime scene.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.... there was no request to stay in.

Just Friday when sh!t was hitting the fan, from the event overnight.

Aridog said...

Now, back on topic...The FCC's quaint way of communicating amuses me...shows how we've got serious crony people in serious positions. Bwahahaha.

Can we talk about Inga's panties now? I don't think she's listening.

The rule of Lemnity said...

Incredible. The lack of introspection.

Having said what I said... I'm now amending my comment to include an effusive endorsement of Big Papi's rather restrained efforts to emphasize with his fans, the city of Boston and the country as a whole.

Well done!

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Bag's still not understanding the difference between voluntary acts of cooperation (an entire city? Too widespread for that! Angelinos always have at least a straggler or rebel or two!) and compulsion.

Bag cannot fathom the idea of an entire city not feeling the least bit inconvenienced by deciding to assist their law enforcement in catching a terrorist.

Let's think about what this says of Bag O.

bagoh20 said...
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bagoh20 said...

Don't mention the panties. That always brings in Cedarford to attack the heroes, which now includes entire cities.

Bleach Drinkers Curing Coronavirus Together said...

Althouse has now experienced the strength of street knowledge.

The rule of Lemnity said...

The NESN game announcer just brought up the tweet while Ortiz was a bat.

Kind of telling of something that the color commentator, Jerry Remy, remained silent about it.

Aridog said...

Renee said ...

Just Friday when sh!t was hitting the fan, from the event overnight.

AND, credit where it is due...here, Chickelit first noticed and commented about it Just after midnight 20 April.

I thought he was kidding until I checked out news feeds...

PS: I've lived under US martial law for a week, declared by both our Governor and the POTUS. Curfew was 9:00 PM until 6:00 AM and if you were out and about and a macho teen-aged or twenty-something airborne trooper caught you, loaded rifle and fixed bayonet and all, you'd best have two things: Some ID and a damn good reason...or you'd join the others at camp fuck up at the state fair grounds.

Sorry, I can't relate my overseas martial law experiences. Secretary of State Lurch says I'm a war criminal, and he has the hat to prove it...and Senator Sessions gave the feds a law to back up jerks like Lurch. You'll just have to trust me that when we stopped someone, first we offered tea and cookies, then called their mommies, kissed them on the cheek, and sent them on their way. Really. No, really.

bagoh20 said...

"Let's think about what this says of Bag O"

I don't think everyone else shares your obsession, but I'm flattered. Would you like an autographed 8 X 10?

The rule of Lemnity said...

On further reflection... I'm imagining the team picked Ortiz hoping to deliver a statement in itself... possibly.

The statement being; we are not who they say we are.

Amartel said...

"This is our fucking city."
Okay, what does this even mean?
Does anyone think it's not?
Is there a dispute about city ownership?
Does anyone seriously think the bombing bozos wanted to take the city?
And what moron drops a swear like this at a ball game, with kids, little kids, in attendance? Dope!

"Nobody's going to dictate our freedom."
Again, whaaaaaat? Dictate freedom? Dude, you live in Boston, MA. Your elected officials dictate your freedom all day long 24/7/365. You just don't notice 'cause you're a rich union worker, protected by wealth and union.

"Stay strong."
Ortiz should have begun and ended with this. Full stop.

Now for Creepy Uncle Julius and his fuck-sanctioning tweet. First, there's no reason to weigh in on this via tweet other than to soak up unearned good-will and ride the emotional wave. Second, no, obviously, this is not how FCC rulings should be announced, especially in the immediate aftermath of an obvious breach of the rules.

I'm not opposed to the word. I use it all the time. I may even occasionally overuse. But I do recognize that there's a time and a place. I don't think it's too much to ask that other people do the same, whether or not they're caught up in the emotion of the moment and whether or not their heart's in the right place.

Unknown said...

Shorter Ritmo

Nyah Nyah.

tim said...

No one is going to fucking dictate our freedoms. Except those who fucking have. And we keep fucking electing these fucking soul crushing facists who fucking dictate every thing we do here. And we like it.

ken in tx said...

I would have stayed in to avoid being shot by the cops.

n.n said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
n.n said...

I will assume that Ortiz is a liberal or progressive. The first class adheres to liberal (i.e. selective) standards, and the second class adheres to monotonically changing (i.e. ambiguous), typically negative, standards. This is why men and women who adhere to left-wing ideology -- especially the generational variety -- are notoriously sanctimonious hypocrites, and why it's so difficult to hold them accountable, even in cases of murder, rape (or rape-rape), theft, and involuntary exploitation generally. They are, by design, a moving target for moral and ethical, and even biological standards.

In any case, a left-wing regime is a pure crony construct. In its conclusive form, it is processed through coercion and fraud for the political, economic, and social benefit of a select minority.

Anonymous said...

I, for one, appreciate Shitmo's one or two possibly valid points (sometimes none) followed by a thread ruining torrent of nonsense and personal attacks.

Though like Hall and Oates Philadelphia white soul, Or the innocuous appearance but deadly capability of capoeira, the Brazilian martial art developed by slaves, you don't want to underestimate his powers.

He hears Putumayo world rhythms the rest of us don't hear.

Renee said...

David Ortiz became a US citizen in 2008. He was born in the Dominican Republic.

Renee said...

I do not consider him that political considering John Kerry called him Manny Ortiz back in 04'.

Baron Zemo said...

What did Mannny Rameriz have to say about it?

Renee said...

Where is Manny now?

Paco Wové said...

Genachowski tweeting his blessing

So I guess 'the law' is whatever the apparatchik in charge feels like it is at a particular moment. Cool. Always wondered how that whole "rule of men, not laws" thing would feel.

HA said...

The FCC obviously doesn't have the resources to enforce its regulations due to sequestration. Enforcing decency standards takes MONEY, MONEY, MONEY! If this puritanical country wants its decency standards enforced it needs to show Genachowski the MONEY!

Aridog said...

Paco Wové said...

Reference: "Genachowski tweeting his blessing..."

So I guess 'the law' is whatever the apparatchik in charge feels like it is at a particular moment.

Why yes it is...welcome to the autocracy.

No budgets, we operate on omnibus "mother-may-I" bills, and a court system that knows its rulings will not be enforced if not in line with the party line.