"Saving Private Ryan"

[mranderson]

As you may know, ABC showed the unedited version of the motion picture "Saving Private Ryan" about a week ago. KOCO-TV was one of 66 ABC affiliates across the nation NOT to air the motion picture due to fears of FCC fines for violating censorship rules.

Was KOCO right in their decision? And why?

For me. No. The public should have the right to choose for themselves if the motion picutre violates THEIR censorship rules. Plus, there was a great deal of history in that motion picture. History children will not see.

Not all Normandy veterans will speak of that day. My dad included. What I know I learned from history books, movies, and the rest from what my mom forced out of him. Plus, when the rest of the vets are dead, the history will be also.

It is mainly the first amendment rights that says KOCO did NOT make the correct choice.

[1adam12]

I can see you point, mranderson, but how about the kids that are watching the show also? This may be history to you, but it is pure filth with all the vulgar language, not to mention the violence that I don't want my kids to see. If they showed it late at night at around 10 or 11, I would have no problem with it. But showing it during prime time is out of the question. I believe KOCO made the right decision by not subjecting children to this movie. Yes, I know I am to regulate what my children watch, but due to my strange hours, I am not always home to do that.

[Midtowner]

Anderson, the first amendment doesn't have a thing to do with it bud. It is the station management's decision what airs on their station and what does not. If anything, they are the only ones really protected by the first amendment, and even that is not absolute (see: FCC).

That being said, I think their decision was pathetic and cowardly. This is an accurate portrayal of what the veterans of one of America's greatest wars experienced. It is something that every American mature enough to understand should watch. In these times when the mantra is "me, me, me", here were some citizen-soldiers who could think nothing more than "us, us, us". It shows a stark contrast to the self-centered culture of today. It's something people need to understand and emulate.

As for it not being appropriate for children, buy a TV with a V-chip, tell your kids not to watch it, be a parent! Do not expect the ABC afilliate to make your parenting decisions for you! Adam, there are options available to you. First of all, who is your children's caregiver? I'm assuming you don't leave them home alone. Leave them specific instruction about what TV programs are off limits. Also, as I said before, if you don't have a TV with a v-chip, then buy one! Programs such as this would be blocked.

My parents did not regulate what I watched as a child. My childhood favorite movies included things like Rambo, Terminator, Nightmare on Elm Street, etc. I to this day have never shot anyone or wanted to It is your parental responsibility, but I think people really overestimate the importance of television in shaping their childrens' value systems.

[1adam12]

So, Mr. MidTowner, are you a parent? I didn't think so. My caregiver has been with me for years, and does try to regulate what the kids do. I should not have to buy a TV with a V-chip to protect my children from trash. BTW, NO, the networks are NOT doing my parenting for me or making my decisions, however, they are the ones making decisions on what they show on prime time. If programs like this should be blocked, then these programs should not be shown on network TV.

[mranderson]

I can see you point, mranderson, but how about the kids that are watching the show also? This may be history to you, but it is pure filth with all the vulgar language, not to mention the violence that I don't want my kids to see. If they showed it late at night at around 10 or 11, I would have no problem with it. But showing it during prime time is out of the question. I believe KOCO made the right decision by not subjecting children to this movie. Yes, I know I am to regulate what my children watch, but due to my strange hours, I am not always home to do that.

When these Normandy veterans like my dad refuse to talk about their experiences, and they are rapidly nearing the end of their lives, how will we teach future generations the truth about one of the most honorable battles in United States history? Through motion pictures is the only way.

My dad did watch "Saving Private Ryan," and was a character portrayed in "The Longest Day." He was also a technical advisor for the latter. Had my cousin, who went to High School with Tom Hanks, stayed in touch with Hanks, dad would probably have advised on "Saving Private Ryan" as well. Dad told me both motion pictures were quite accurate. Granted, there may have been course language (I have not seen the motion picture), however, the only way to teach the true story of this great moment in our history (Normandy and the A-bombs won the war) is through motion picture. Plus, the kids are going to learn the language anyway. We can not shelter them from it. We can advise when it is proper and not proper to use the words (That is you own judgement), however, they are going to learn it. I would rather my kid ask me what a certain word meant than to have his or her peers give a lopsided definition.

How else would you teach our future generations what really happened June 6, 1944? Are my thoughts triggered by the fact I am the son of a Normandy veteran who was in the same Battalion as this picture? Maybe a little. However, we need to teach our kids what happened before historians (the men who were there) have all died.

Regardless of a person's opinion of the first amendment, I hold that amendment as sacred as the NRA does the second amendment. No matter what, nothing will convince me that KOCO did not have a duty to that amendment by not airing this major piece of history.

What happened to real patriotism and holding your head high with pride for what these people sacraficed to give us the greatest of gifts... The gift of freedom.

[Keith]

Just because someone doesn't approve of the movie because of the content doesn't make them less patriotic. There are many movies on war that I won't watch because of the language and/or the violent content. I definitely would not want my kids watching it, however, that doesn't make me less patriotic.

I have friends that are over in Iraq, and I have many friends that have fought in the other wars, and I am very appreciative of them and I show it. I also donate to the vietnam veterans, and when I see someone that is wearing something that shows they served in the military, I personally shake their hand and thank them for what they did for me to have freedom.

[Patrick]

Personally, it really doesn't make a difference to me. I do think someone needs to stand up and restrict some of what's being shown on television (because much of it is trash now), but it's really up to the networks. Personally, I respect the rights of those stations that wished now to air the film. They own the station and they're entitled to censor what they show. Station owners shouldn't be forced to show something they don't wish to show. Just as ABC had the 1st Amendment Right to show "Saving Private Ryan", I believe KOCO had the right not to distribute it if they wished not to.

[Midtowner]

So, Mr. MidTowner, are you a parent? I didn't think so. My caregiver has been with me for years, and does try to regulate what the kids do. I should not have to buy a TV with a V-chip to protect my children from trash. BTW, NO, the networks are NOT doing my parenting for me or making my decisions, however, they are the ones making decisions on what they show on prime time. If programs like this should be blocked, then these programs should not be shown on network TV.

Consider this:

Saving Private Ryan -- historically accurate violence and strong language are used to paint an accurate picture of what really happened. Portrays patriotism, the ultimate sacrifice and the ultimate unselfishness. Apparently not okay to show.

vs.

Desperate Housewives -- almost softcore porn, showing adults behaving in selfish and often evil manners. Just fine to show.

Is our standard of okay vs. not okay going to be someone dropping an f-bomb? (which I don't believe happened in that movie anyhow). Yes though, if you think this objectionable TV is such a big deal, you are kind of a hypocrite if you don't have a TV with a v-chip.

[Keith]

I'm with 1adam12. I also believe objectional TV is a big deal, but I don't feel that I should have to buy a TV with a V-chip just because the networks feel they have a right to show trash on TV. I have never seen Desperate Housewives, however, I have talked to friends who have seen it. I do agree that it is soft porn and is not fit for TV. Just like the incident before the Monday Night Football game a week ago where Terrell Owens was seduced by one of the "desperate housewives." That was uncalled for, and I do hope that ABC gets a very stiff fine for viewing that.

What has this society come to when networks show this kind of garbage on TV...and people enjoy watching it? When I was growing up, you would never even see a woman advertising underwear...while in her underwear. Now, we have Victoria's Secret on network TV showing their sexy and very revealing lingerie. Yeah, I know...that is what the remote is for..to turn the channel. Kids, though, are curious, so they will sit and watch.

so, should we just sit back and see how bad it can get, make sure all families get V-chips for their TV's, and say to the networks,"do what you want to do?" No, not me. If I see something objectional on TV from one of the networks, they will be hearing from me.

[Midtowner]

Whoa Keith, Saving Private Ryan is 'garbage TV'? Is that the connection you're making?

I mentioned Desperate Housewives to demonstrate the hypocrisy in ABC's decision. SPR depicts the noblest and the most terrible parts of human nature at the same time. Everyone needs to understand our past and the sacrifices of previous generations. SPR is a great movie that depicts the best qualities of Americans.

That, and the Band of Brothers series.

[Patrick]

Actually it wasn't ABC's decision, it was KOCO's. ABC will allow KOCO to pull a one time flick, but they won't allow them to pull a series and still keep their contract with the network.

[Midtowner]

It is hypocrisy to allow the affiliate the discretion. To say we'll give you the choice so you can support "family values", yet continue to show a series like DH is indeed two-faced.

I have a problem with neither, but c'mon, their position is anything but consistant.