I personally think that hearing a swear word on TV is the least of the problems facing America today.
Grow up, stop being so hypocritical, and stop with this puritanical uptight nonsense already.

Mark Hensley, Vancouver, Canada

No one has a "right" to say anything they want on the public airways. TV stations are "licensed" by the government for the public good and those broadcasters must abide by the rules set up by the FCC.

An analogy is that Individuals don't have a "right" to drive, get married, practice law, medicine, engineering, architecture, cut hair, etc. - these are activities that affect the public and we must be "licensed" to do so. Our license requires us to obey the rules set up by government authorities in those endeavors.

So can and should the government regulate certain speech on the "public" airways for the overall public good - ABOSLUTELY!! Just as they have an obligation and right to set traffic regulations.

Don't like that the FCC controls access to the radio spectrum - then petition the government to change the law and make broadcasting a "right". You won't like the results - I guarantee it. It will be total chaos.

Michael, Philadelphia, PA

Well, the networks and the courts have made up my mind for me. The flat screen tv I was shopping for is now out-of-the-question. Not much point in buying a product that will remain "off" for the most part.

See folks, I have kids, and I can see where your precious "Free Speech" will soon end up in cartoons and childrens programming. Think I'm wrong, just wait. They hear it all the time anyway, right? So no big deal, Right?

john selle, dodge, nd

A word... is a word. I agree people who run around screaming expletives every other word are indeed projecting an image of ignorance. However, this is getting crazy. Just like having funerals for words... fighting over what we can say and when we can say it is a bit more like a dictatorship than I chose to live in. Because you dont like the words, does not give you the right to tell another person not to say them. You have the right to teach your children your values or simple walk away from it. This is America...love it or leave it folks.

S. Benninghoff, Columbia, SC, USA

The thing is, you cannot stop anybody from saying anything they want, because of "Free Speech". Anybody can swear at you in the presence of a policeman and the cop cannot arrest that person. I have been told this by a 911 operator. Besides, if you do not want to hear these words, you have to stop using them yourself. You have to lodge a protest against the person using these words and not against a judge. You still want to go to a U2 concert, you still follow what Nicole Richie/ Cher does and you compain about what they say. Stop worshipping similar "dumb" celebrities who use this kind of language and have nothing better to say. People like Bono who are doing a good job with their charities negate all that with this kind of behaviour.

Rajkanwar Brar, Miilerville, MD, USA

In my mind, people who need to use profanity to describe their thoughts are not very intelligent. I can find dozens of words to say other than swear words.

Your ignorance is showing.

wolf, chicago,

A free-speech oriented, American father of 4 children, all of whom have heard all of the "toilet talk" that we are discussing, longs for those Victorian social mores that said that "good people" did not say those words in public. I aspire to be a "good person" and hope my children will also. Exposure to this verbal pollution- these words used now so pervasively in what passes for entertainment today -- cheapens and debases us all, and "pulling the plug" on the television does nothing to reduce this exposure because it comes home from other children. A visit to any school in America or Europe (I have no experience with other continents' schools) will confirm this.

William, Chicago, US

Surely the First Amendment is perfectly clear that Congress has no right to restrict freedom of expression, which includes telling people how to express their opinions. This would make the FCC's anti-profanity rules unconstitutional. A ruling of this sort is inevitable and it is perfectly consistent with previous rulings, such as when anti-porn laws (like Dworkin-McKinnon) are thrown out on free speech grounds. We can argue about whether profanity is a good thing until the cows come home, but you'd need to rescind the First Amendment to be able to restrict swearing on TV.

Matthew Smith, New Malden, UK

The US has never been short of commentators, writers, philosophers etc. the likes of J Adler, Wilson, McDonald, Henry III, Bennett , Hymowitz, D' Souza, Murray and so on in whose various diatribes, critiques and observations constantly bemoan the plight of a present American civilization held in thrall to the mores of Hollywood and the PC brigade. They see in the decline of language usage and general social behaviour there a corresponding decline in civilized values and literacy which they ascribe to a dumbing down of standards in education and entertainment. Perhaps, I can only suggest as a solution to halt the march of decadence there is to burn, not books and libraries (as my ancestors, the Mongols, sometimes did centuries ago wherever they invaded) but the idiot box! Do the reverse to save your civilization.

SD Goh, PJ, MALAYSIA

If I want to hear vulgarity I can rent it and bring it home. I won't put up with networks becoming anymore low-class than they already are. If they do....I'll cut'm off. I can live without a TV.

Tommy P, Magnolia, Texas

Unless your kid lives in a vacuum, they are hearing these words everyday anyway, in the schoolyard, at the park, on the field, etc. As far as I'm concerned, its the intent of the word, not the fact that it is being used. If some kid is going to drop an f-bomb in a derogatory sense, you're not convincing me that its because they heard a broadcaster use it as an adjective...i.e. 'What a f***ing game!!'

Frank, Bayonne, NJ

Words aren't that scary, don't be afraid of them. Words and violence are two totally different things. It's also very easy to turn off the TV and/or interact with your kids so they aren't watching 6 hours of TV a day. Words are words, quit blaming them for lack of responsibility.

Chris, Portland,

To be honest, does it really matter? As adults we hear these words in public and in music all day long. I personally do not like swearing and am constantly reminding my children that people that choose to swear are not intellegent enough to use the proper word.

I will not be bothered by hearing a fleeting swear word, but if I ever hear one come across while my children are watching t.v. - we are cancelling our programming. I believe there is a difference between censorship and monitoring. If the shows have swearing in them, just let me know and I can choose to either watch them or not.

April, Portland, OR

"...able to say anything they want, whenever they want."

"Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech..."

Welcome to my country.

G

Greg Hiltz, Keizer, OR

<i>Hollywood will be able to say anything they want, whenever they want</i>

It's called freedom of speech. It's protected by the 1st amendment. It is a good thing, not something the FCC or any other government body should be trying to prevent!

Mike, Cincinnati, OH

The media plays a major role believe it or not on how we all act. Sometime we are conscious about it and at other times we are not. I personally don't use the "f" word which I consider just the sound itself is vulgar. I remember working in the 90's when men would watch their language around women. Now they use the curse words right at your face whether it's to insult you or as a joke. I find nothing funny about it and find it real sad that as a culture we are loosing more each day respect for each other.

Parents can only control what their kids see or hear so much, they can't control them 100% unless they trail them everywhere including in schools. Some parents don't care if their kids swear and even laugh about it. The media teaches it's ok to swear so people will do just that. Before it was allowed in the media people did have more manners because that was what they were exposed to.

This society is just going backward if you ask me. What will be next, full nudity on tv?

Millie , New YOrk, NY

I don't understand how a country that goes on about freedom, democracy and free speech can spend so much time censoring and restricting freedom, democracy and free speech. I guess as long as your car does 2mpg and you can shoot your neighbours and abuse the rest of the world that's okay.

The odd swear word isn't going to cause the sky to fall!!

Andy, West kirby, Wirral UK

The use of coarse expletives reflects the ignorance of the speaker. It appears that celebrities set the national tone. Alas.

roger, Bradford, Maine

Katy, I'm pretty sure we do, seeing that we invented it. Sorry that your views are so stereotypical.

Andy, Flint, US / Mich

Clint of Herrimon
lest you drown in a sea of despond
i suggest you read a little Shakespear

bob, Lira, Uganda

That's why I quit watching TV years ago. It insulted my intelligence and proves again that money not morality runs this country. It's as stupid as letting "sport heros" in High School play when they aren't up to where they should be on their grade point average. TV shows have continually gone down the tube for years and are at so low a point now that perverts are the only people that enjoy the TV trash.

Scott, Yreka, Ca

I come from Ireland where we have a treshold for where the Channels say"hey your kids should be in bed by now"
And we get to see what an adult wants to see.
Its called freedom.
I moved over to USA 3 years ago and I can not believe what is censored here.
I see educational progams blurring out bodues of native tribes in Africa and other places...I mean come on....its part of life its like USA censorship find the huiman body insulting..And if you cant stop your kids from using bad words....then stop then living...going to school...going to friends houses for dinner....going to the movies...and anywhere else there is human contact..cause they will hear it everywhere...ALl usa is doing is making it "coolo use these words,,,and after all they are just words

Declan, La Habra, California

Here we go again , further demoralizing the world .Our children don't have a chance when highly paid adults both in legislature and judicial can control what we hear and see all because of the power given to them by us via elections.Stop using people for your own gains in stature.

Douglas Michaud, Fall River, Mass

Gosh, I don't care about four letter words. Nor do most people. There's a lot of offensive stuff on television, but four letter words are not one of them. Let's get real. TV is not a manufacturer of culture. And besides, people could sell their television if they wanted to, or like me, refuse to subscribe to cable.

jerry, los angeles, usa

Someone needs to identify all the sponsors of the prime time TV shows that use profanity in a blog, and post it where we consumers can see it and let them know how we feel by 1) emails and 2) stop buying their products. It's the only way they and the networks will get the message.

This is a great opportunity for a creative software team to attract their own sponsors, and do something useful on the web.

I wish I had the time and the capability.

bob miller, Ontario, CA

I believe that is profanity is o.k. then what else will eventually slip through. Let's be realistic how many times does your child watch any debates on television. But they are always watching awards shows and music videos. I really think it was gone to far and like everything a change is needed......

Smith-Hamilton, Hallandale, USA/Florida

With regret it is recognized that the F & S words ares used without consideration of surroundings or proximity of children or other sensitivities. Personally I have and most likely will continue to use these words but do my best to be cautious of the conditions around me. Good taste is the order of the day along with respect to others who may or may not share our views or opinions. It is also with regret that GOOD TASTE is not evident in our society today as displayed by a good portion of the celebrities, sports fiqures, some in the clergy and a large portion of our society in America as well as other countries. It's a matter of respect for others and nothing more or less.

Murray, indianapolis, in

its all fine to say that they are just words... but since when did everything (and everybody) get so disrespectful? and why not stretch your mind a little more, show your intelligence and use more interesting words to truly show how you feel?

V Johnson, South Orange, NJ

My children watch a vary small amount of TV in the afternoons. We sit with them and although I dont generaly censure what they watch I do keep an eye on things.

Its bad enough I have to deal with all the comercials and there "brain washing" but now I have to worry about near random dropping of the F-bomb. Alot of folks dont understand why this is a pain, When your talking about a 3 year old a single "damnit to hell" will be brought up for weeks. Its bad enough when I slip up with that kinda mild profanity, I dont need my kids thinking that the F word is ok.

reese, irwin, PA

Where are our priorities? As adults, we are to care for and nuture children as they are our future. We have more laws protecting animals than we do children. We can't test parents to know if they are intelligent enough or capable to raise children, but we can teach them the difference between right & wrong. Should we not educate children to be more intelligent in verbal expression? Or, if that is too much of a moral issue (because you know this is the basis of the argument), turn off the TV and read a book.

Andrea, Ephrata, PA

why is this even an issue while there are so many more things that need to be addressed.. the people whining the loudest probably use the most expletives in front of their children anyhow, just like people who claim to be very religious are the most likely to act in a non-religious manner should they get a bit excited

shawn, ny,ny,

Freedom of speech doesn't mean "fire" or "bomb" in in appropriate areas. Don't get me wrong, something that will kill someone is dangerous. Mixing the point with something as trivial as the fleeting ignorant use of an expletive is irresponsible and inflammatory.
Your children have heard the words, whether on showtime or under your breath or on the school bus. Personal acountability is key. LIKE IT OR NOT, it is better to live here and curse, then to live in any other country where you can be murdered for your speech. Hence the constitution.
Turn off what you don't like, view what you do. Leave everyone else out of it and stare in the mirror.

Tom, Reston, VA

To Tom from Reston, you are correct that you do not have the right to say anything you want anytime you want, like yelling fire in a crowded theater. But the reason why you don't is you don't have the right to say anything you want when it could cause a panic or immediate harm to persons (as in their bodies). Not because someone may be offended.

Last time I checked, Primetime was televistion for adults, not for kids. Yes, kids watch, but that's because their parents allow them to.

The FCC is not our moral compass. America's only moral compass is the actions of the majority. If Judge Leval is correct that the words proscribed by the Commission's decency standards are much more common in daily discourse today than they were thirty years ago, then it should be more acceptable, not less, for those words to be on air.

Michelle, Austin, TX

Why is it law to wear seatbelts? To protect the ones that don't know any better.
Why shouldn't we expose our children to faul language? yes, you got it!

John Smith, West Palm Beach, FL

The profanity that I see is everywhere: misspelled words, poor grammar, muddled thinking, writing and speaking. Then there is "slanguage" and a never ending stream of acronyms and "buzz" words. So maybe all of this is a tempest in a teapot. The f* and s* words/expletives are perhaps just the spice to liven up otherwise boring diatribes.

Stan, Valencia, USA/CA

They are not expletives, as used most of the time. Expletives stand alone and take an exclamation point. They do not have to be blasphemous or obscene, but get much of their value from these sources, which is why "sugar!" is a poor substitute.

Blame the Nixon tapes with their frequent "expletive deleted" for the misuse.

Unfortunately coarse language (the subject at issue) occurs with some frequency from unexpected sources. If it is to be censored, then all broadcasts will have to be pre-screened in some manner, either through the 5-second delay or prerecording.

All said, foul language was around before TV and will be around well after that medium gives way to its successor.

Charles, Charlottesville,

won't someone please think of the children???????????

I mean, my 2 year old kids love swears.

jesus, jerusalem, heaven

Yelling fire in a crowded theater or slandering another person are two totally and entirely different things from cursing over the air. The first presents a danger due to the likelihood of a panic, and thus potential injury. The second attacks a person by claiming they are something they aren't or have done something they haven't. Using a curse in place of the "proper" word, or using it to add emphasis, while not acceptable by all, never endangers another person's life or presents any sort of risk of damage to anyone or anything. Further, curse words in and of themselves can't ever slander another person. Stay on topic and find examples of free speech that are valid in this context.

Will, Rochester, NY

And so continues America's decency decline.

Clint Guymon, Herriman, UT

It's a word, get over it.

Me, Indianapolis, Indiana

I'm seeing several comments here regarding a perceived decay in morality because of the increased usage and acceptance of these words. This is simply an evolution of language. Its not new. Its not a sign of anything. As language evolves, some words that were formerly obscene become less so. Other words that were formerly acceptable become frowned upon, and then obscene.

Take, for instance, the "N-Word". In the 19th century it was perfectly acceptable in polite company. In the 20th century it gradually became less and less accepted. Now, the only people allowed to say it are gangsta rappers.

People need to realize that things change. Are our children morally bankrupt compared to 50 years ago? Fifty years ago, a 10-year-old boy would have (supposedly) been respectful to his elders, performed his chores without asking, and never uttered a curse-word. Today, a 10-year-old boy recycles his trash, treats women and other races as equals and can fix his father's computer.

Chris, Louisville, KY, USA

There's a big difference between allowing your children to watch 24, and watching the evening news while your child is in the room and have profanity blare from the television. These live shows are not "rated" correctly, thus no filter could block them from the television.

Ultimately though, it's an issue of morality. To those of you who say it's wrong for a Christian to impose their morals on the general society, I say "read the Bible". We are called to be the "salt of the earth", to preserve it. Christians are not just called to lay idly by and watch the world spiral down towards complete immorality.

Mark, Tacoma,

America's failure is its constant need to make broad judgement calls on all of its citizens. Not every American is a concerned parent, good Christian, groovy hipster, or starving artist. This is why freewill and community should work together, and not be at odds with one another. Apply a little freewill, and a whole lot less dependance on the government, and you'll do fine. Do keep in mind what beaucracy gives us in the end. If you need a refresher, just ask Louisiana. Stop handing out your freewill, because I'm tired of all these &#8220;big brother&#8221; laws and regulations. If you can't enforce a code of conduct in your own home, no law or regulation will save you.
F*** was brought to me, amazingly, by the generations who claimed they've never used them as children.
There are plenty of ways to restrict abrasive entertainment that doesn't involve mass heavy filtering. Modern technology is aiding in filtering content at a personal level, without being intrusive to your neighbors.

Jason Lee, Burlington, Vermont

I agree with Freddo- turn the f****** TV off. There is so little worth watching on the major networks anyway, esp. Fox. TV is a cultural cancer.

Ajplayer, Ephrata,

I've never understood the whole language issue. It's not like by the time a child is 7 years old he or she doesn't already know the "bad words". The FCC seems to think that if those words aren't heard on broadcast television, children won't hear them? That's BS, as I heard them both at home and at school (while politely being reminded not to repeat them). That's just stupidity.

If these words would be used all the time, and parents would be upset about it, then it's up to the parents to turn off (or get rid of) the television, not hope for the government to help them (because we all know how well governments run things....) But no, let's let someone else do it.

It's not like adults use an expletive every third word, when they are free to. And those words surely don't have sexual connotations when used. It's usually anger. So kids just use substitute words, which have the very same meaning. So what's the point of banning the actual word?

Scott, Indianapolis, United States

Whether it's in America or anywhere else in the world, people DO NOT have the right to say "anything they want, anytime they want," as some posters have stated here. You DO NOT have the right to yell fire in a crowded theater and in many cases, you DO NOT have the right to slander people in public (without suffering the consequences).

So get over this idea that people have the right to "say anything, anytime," because they don't.

Tom, Reston, Virginia, USA

John Ramsay - have you read the article? No-one is telling anyone how to speak.

JDW, London, UK

Try turning the TV off.

Freddo, cardiff,

Forget Iraq and all the other horrors going on in the world today - 'America braces itself for 4 letter outburst' or whatever. No it doesn't, there are too many rational people in the US to let this story cause more than a mutter or two, surely?

Justin, Wuhan, China

It seems apparently alright to indoctrinate and brainwash our "beloved" children with advertisements of all sorts that spoil said much respected kiddies, whether it's their health or just their minds. But oh God please forbid that they they might be confronted on TV with some awful words which they anyway already know and use or sure are going to. I sure as hell know what I'd prefer them to see and hear. And not only them either, would be nice to be able to see a single programme to the end without interruptions.

rob, Munich,

Ahh...America. Land of the Allegedly Free, Home of the Warmongering Brave, Cradle of the Christian Fundamentalist...hasn't yet learned where the off button is on the remote control....

Katy, UK,

Profanity? Yes. Is the restriction on it legal? No. Not by a longshot. Parents are responsible for their children, not the US Congress. In fact, the first amendment bars our government from restricting free speech, at all, period. Not ever would one wish to open this can of worms. Your liberty would be on the chopping block next.

Dan, Plainfield, CT, US

To everyone offended by these words and all the other "trash" on TV, you're absolutely right. But you shouldn't rely on the government to control what the networks broadcast - it's evil to try to restrict others freedoms to match your own taste.

You should talk to the networks you like and let them know your standards. Some will provide "family friendly" shows and some will program for adults. Then you can pick which one you want to watch. That's the "freedom" in free market.

Dave Matthews, Seattle, Wa

The 'f' word is not profane (L. outside the temple) - merely vulgar.

Adam Sargent, Malaga, Spain

Can all these AMERICANS please stop telling us in England how to speak ENGLISH!!! Do the Mexicans tell the Spaniards how to speak Spanish?

John Ramsay, London, ENGLAND

To those that complain about decency, moral values etc, apparently the guns, shooting, blood and violence that are all over US TV shows are fine for kids? WWF is fine upstanding moral instilling TV because there's no swearing in it? Talk about double standards.

Matt, England,

Re Brian

Obviously you've never been to Britian

Kia, Worcester, Worcester

Isn't this whole primetime versus non prime-time distinction predicated on the fact that people still watch broadcast television, a notion sure to be in the past in the near future. Given the proliferation of cable (considered a basic necessity by most where I'm from) with included TiVo, the one clear thing is that the traditional broadcast/advertising revenue model just won't last as more and more people watch TV when they want and without commercial interruption. More to the point, why is the FCC involved still, let the market decide. Its pretty easy to program a TV to exclude shows with certain ratings, and concerned parents are already doing this. Let people broadcast whatever it is they want, but make sure parents of young children have the capability to filter content (I know they'll learn more about blocking controls than their parents long before they're 18 given how fast children learn technology, but the point is that it won't happen before they're at least a juvenille)

Andrew, Austin, TEXAS

What nonsense? "S***" and "F***" are words. WORDS.

If you don't want your children to *use* them, use your parentel privilege to establish those guidelines and model the desired behavior.

If you don't want your children to *hear* them, well frankly you're out of luck, if they haven't already, they will... if not from TV it will be friends, relatives, strangers... you name it.
Unless you are able to keep them completely isolated from society and all its communication mediums, your kids will hear "S" and "F" and a million other "swear words" and "profanties".

It should not be the job of the government, or the entertainment industry, to put a stop to potty-mouthery.

And besides, what is the real harm here? It's not like the court was sanctioning violence or rape or thievery. They're just words!

Also, people should watch less television, regardless of profanity content.

My $0.02

Aaron, Seattle,

Duh we should be able to say what we want when we want and express it on any medium we want. If we can't then why are we in America?

No matter what we express someone somewhere will find it indecent and that is why we have the right to express ourselves freely and protected under the constitution. Indecent or not we have the ability to turn away or not accept it but to deny others access to it is illegal.

A little history lesson as to why our nation was formed, to allow religious freedoms and expression, key word is expression and freedom. Ultimately we can express ourselves against the popular or the least popular without prosecution. Once we start allowing those freedoms come under scrutiny or restrictions we go dangerously into the path of oppressed societies.

Look at Hugo Chavez and the socialization of his country, his constituents are not very happy with his actions lately lets see how long they can keep their right to protest and speak against his administration.

Richard, brooklyn, ny

Usurping promotes profanity.

Quiddity, MV, CA

Another step deeper into the depravity of the American conscience and our ultimate self destruction.

Linda Lathrop, Spring City, Pa

I've always thought it was ridiculous that TV is so censored... After going away to a university for a few years, I realized the best way to not encounter TV programs I don't want to watch is to NOT WATCH TV.

It's simple. You don't read books you don't like, you don't watch TV if you don't like. We're all capable to censor out programs we disagree with. If you don't trust yourself, your kids, whatever... don't buy a TV for household use. (and, technology today permits parents to block certain channels anyway). But honestly, people who don't want to see specific things on television shouldn't be watching television in the first place - read a book, rent a movie, get a hobby... don't push to censor everyone else's experience.

We don't need the government to censor things for us - we can do that ourselves. Whatever happened to free speech anyway?

James, Royal Oak, MI, MI

How many f***ing mafia movies would we the f*** like to watch without the f***ing dons and their f***ing soldiers using the f***ing f*** word every two f***ing seconds (for f***'s sake) ? How many f***ing war movies, f***ing cop movies, f***ing fighter pilot movies, f***ing stockbroker movies ?
Granted, it is f***ing possible to make f***ing films without that. But some f***ing scenarios would sound f***ing stupid or bloody f***ing boring.

Alternative : watch BBC documentaries and stop making that stupid issue a civilisational one. Haven't the US authorities more important and urgent questions to deal with at the moment ?

Ronnie, Paris, FRANCE

We need to get the puritans out of the fcc. You hear those words more at school that you do any where else. People need expletives and we need to join the present. They are fine.

adnawatom, Chehalis, wa

As I sit here with my small children watching TV, powerless to control what they see and hear, I think to myself, "I sure wish the government would make it so I don't have to reach all the way over for my remote."

Brian, Washington, DC

"If we can't restrict the use of the words "f***" and "s***" during prime time, Hollywood will be able to say anything they want, whenever they want.""

Wow, people able to say whatever they want, whenever they want. What a novel concept. I propose that we push forth with a constitutional amendment that lets people say whatever they want whenever they want. Oh wait...

Brian Norton, Washington, DC

Jeeeezzz what a bunch of babies.....

Fox ABC CBS will ONLY use or allow these words on Air if people tune in for them. Don't like it? boycott, don't want your kids watching it? how bout you step up and be a parent.

You don't have to watch TV, You don't have to watch Shows you consider vulgar. And most importantly it's up to you to teach your children how to speak, not the babysitter.... oops i mean T.V.

Sam, Napa, CA

It boogles my mind that everyone is talking about how immoral this decision is for children. My mother and father both cursed and I do not use that language today at 40.

If you don't want your kids to hear it, turn off the TV and stop imposing your uppity rules on the average person. Be responsible for you and your kids only. I don't mind the profanity and if it gets to be to much while my kids are around we just do something else.

Rockville, Rockville, maryland

This is the fall of Rome. The United States is going downhill for good. China is on the rise. The Chinese are correct to rein in pornography, expletives and all the innuendos that do not show civility. Think of all the childrens that are expose to f this and f that. Pretty soon, it going to be f your mom. In the past damn does not have the sexual or excretory connotation. Pretty soon for little kid, it's going to be f this and f that will be OK.

Mike Low, san jose, ca

It's a slow craw to complete chaos, it goes in baby steps, a little here, a little there. Freedom of speech is very important, I agree, but so is self respect, & morality. Can you picture, mother teresa, the pope, mohammed, the dali lama, and so on..using this form of expression in public, certain things should still remain private..rub a dub dub God bless this grub, yeah God...is still a good before dinner prayer, but injecting a explitive in there somehow wouldn't make it the same. Use a little decorum (an observance or requirement of polite society). people..

MsNoraStrom, Hollywood, California, USA, California

That's a great justification. Of course, using heck and darn instead of hell and damn just makes them the new curse words now don't it? People are getting very upset about sounds essentially, and it would be comical if the government weren't wasting money on this rubbish.

Lucille Ball, Westport, CT

"To even have such a need for this ruling is appalling. To use expletives in conversation simply implies a limited vocabulary and lack of the command of the English language."

You mean to say Bush and Cheney have a limited vocabulary? I don't believe it!

You have to admit, though, that, regardless of the breadth of one's vocabulary, dropping an f-bomb every now and then... well... sometimes it just FEELS right.

James Gifford, san francisco, California

Obscenity is just timeless, much as the saying, "a man's word is his bond".

Justin Larson, Hereford, Arizona

This is the way some people (Bush, Cheney, et. al.) talk in real life. If you don't want to hear this, don't watch TV - it isn't required. If you don't want your kids to experience real life, don't let them watch either. But sooner or later, you and they are going to hear such language because it 's the real world. What a waste of time!

Paul Ames, Bellport, NY

It's simple - you need to control what your kids watch. Make DVDs available to them that match your parental standards. I wouldn't count on a country which, in general, values freedom of speech to be concerned about burning your kids ears. Ultimately it's your responsibility. If you can't do that, then simply unplug and sell that TV on Craigslist. Of course there are so many more avenues for your kid to get the content you might not want them to watch. You ultimately have to teach them by your own actions and guide them so they'll know 'acceptable' speech. I doubt the playgrounds are 'clean' anyways.

Murph, Cary, NC

Hey Fellow American's
It use to be that we had more intellectual pride and respect then to use or have these words appear on radio and TV! Whether the courts say it's ok or not, we all no what is right or wrong. We are examples for our future generations! Let's not take our future generations down the ignorance and stupid minded path. I think any story, comedian show, movie or talk show can be successful without the "F" words and so on! That is if the show is based on more then just saying four letter words or shocking jestures that are targetted to basic street talking failures and misfits of the Rap generations! Come on and get with reality! Life as we know it can get better with learning and working together. Any one can be a Howard Stern or Rapper swearing and coming up with the next shocking human belittlement, to get public reconition. Good or bad we need to get back to having some pride in what everyone can do or say to make the world better not worse. Daniel Paul Gilbert

Daniel Paul Gilbert, Muskegon, Michigan

If the show "24" can have a scene with a man drilling a hole in somebody else's head at 8:30PM on a Monday night (which it did) then I do not see what the big deal is with somebody saying f***, s***, etc. on primetime TV.

It would be interesting to know how in the world the FCC lines up its priorities.

LOREN, PHILADELPHIA, USA/PA

If it offends you change the channel!

Don E. Knight, Summerville, SC

Your quote " the words proscribed by the Commission's decency standards are much more common in daily discourse today than they were thirty years ago" may be true. Does that make it right? Killing people is also more common today than 30 years ago -why don't we make that legal also? Let's just do whatever we feel like at any time- no more morals, no more standards. No wonder the world is at war- What happened to peace, decency, love of neighbour, etc; etc;?
I am so disgusted with thinking in America today by those who should be raising the standard--- God help the children who are growing up with this immoral set of values.

Kathy Liebler, Heuvelton NY,

This world is going downhill.

ken, Reno, Nevada

It's depressing to see our legal system cave to the simple minded networks that would offer up every kind of foul thing to their audience in the name of entertainment. To defend this kind of language as being that which is heard in "everyday" life is a copout at best. Until now, to prevent your children from hearing such filth, you could simply restrict the times they watched TV or not have cable in your home. Now, one can forsee a time in the not too distant future when you won't be able to do even that. It's a shame.
Congratulations FOX! You're no longer the stepchild to the other networks. You're just like them. Now, I can turn you off like I've already done with the other three useless networks.

Ralph Miller, Atlanta,

("If ever there was an appropriate time for Commission action, this was it.)
That is so true, it should have been taken care of b/4 it started. The TV stations should be fined, as should Hollywood film makers, there is absolutely no reason this vocabulary needs to be used.
Hollywood is getting out of hand. I really hate to see what the people of the world will be like in another 15 to 20 years.

Judy Jeannerett, Meadville, U.S/ Pennsylvania

Completely agree with John, people should take personal responsibilty for what they watch and do. Don't expect the government to legislate your morality. Most TV is garbage and a waste of time, the little "educational" content is not worth the effort to find. Personally, I have never owned a TV and wonder how people can waste hours each day with such passive brain-dead activity, to say nothing about the damage to young minds. The biggest single educational and family improvement people could make is to free themselves from this "opiate of the masses."

Charles Sterling, Omaha, NE

Hahhh, this just makes me laugh. You know, i'm 14 years old! I've been using these words (in a FLEETING way :-) ever since I was 10 years old. I didn't learn them from Television either. I just picked them up, as Brian from Alaska said.

The FCC just sounds bored to me, they're a useless institution now and nobody likes them except for unbearably stubborn people who refuse to accept the modern world.

And so, that's my 2 cents.

Alastair, Augusta, Michigan

Not to mention bad grammar, Cliff.

Jennifer, Fremont, CA

Why are these words the one's they are addressing when it seems to be perfectly okay to refer to a woman, any woman no matter what her stature as a b*****?

If you are going to censor speech, then by all means attack those words the demean, degrade and marginalize as well as those that are the providence of lazy, ignorant, inelegant minds.

LB, Lakewood, CO

If we're using Bush and Cheney as our moral compass, then we ARE in trouble. The fact that these two words might be more prevalent in daily language today just might be because we're a nation with limited language skills, and uninventive minds!

michele, Fairbanks, Alaska/USA

Wake up its a whole different generation. Things offend us less and less. In 1950, you would rarely see husband and wife in the same bed togther on TV; now it is fine to see men spooning openly. Change of times. Words are only bad if they offend anyone, or cause mental or physical damage..... its just language! I don't know how many bad children have turned out by using the word "damn" over the previous generation. F this, F that... as long as we teach people to be articulate and to correctly express themselves...who cares how they speak.

Jim, aUSTIN, TX

Decency? Are you allowed to say "politician" on TV? Interesting country where decency is so important there are laws to enforce it, and yet it is measured by the number of four-letter words one can hear and not by people's actions.

Joe Schmoe, New York, New York

I'm a 22 year old mom of 2, and it is horrifying to me that my daughters are going to grow up hearing this garbage. Is there a petition I can sign somewhere, to keep filth off of the airwaves? Shows today are violent and immoral as is, let alone allowing use of expletives. UGH!

Kelly Lynn, Bethlehem PA, USA

Not so simple solution because of the one time usage clause you won't see it coming until after its been said. Reminds me of watching janet Jackson on the super bowl halftime show with my five year old son.

Steve Stroud, Evanston, IL

"If we can't restrict the use of the words "f***" and "s***" during prime time, Hollywood will be able to say anything they want, whenever they want."

Oh no! people will be able to say whatever they want whenever they want! How dare they! What do they think we live in a free country or something?

odg, Westminster,

Responsibility lies with PARENTS to censor what their children watch - responsibility does not lie with the tv and film industries, nor the broadcasters. You don't like it: change the channel. You have no right to silence or censor anyone.

Dave, Oyster Bay, NY

It is bad enough that "trash" talk, "porn" references, and general vulgarity are already being broadcasted. The MTV awards show ( I watched only five minutes and was disgusted) is a prime example.
Sponsors better take note, as many of us have had enough and have chosen to tune out ....

Maye, Bellingham, WA.

As a parent, I've always done my best to control my tougue and maintain a degree of politeness as a role model. I'm bothered by the decision, as everything I've taught and demonstrated to my children is being undermined.
It's these little "baby steps" that has brought America through a moral decline to the sad low point we are in now. Look around. Kids are punks these days. No more holding of doors or politely asking a question. Instead of "Excuse me, but do you know what time it is?" We hear "Hey! You got the F***ing time?"
Thank you great and powerful network CEO's, and government officials. Your efforts have certainly been noticed by some of us. I cancelled my cable because of this, and don't plan to get dish service.

Joe, Vestal, UPSTATE NY

While I'm not for spewing these "expletives" all over the airwaves, I also think that this medium, like all others, needs to adapt to the changing times. Whether you like it or not, these words ARE more prevalent today and why shouldn't television reflect that?

I also take exception with this tired old notion that the only people who swear are those who are too simple-minded to do otherwise. If you don't want to, fine, but how about keeping your grandiose generalizations about the people who do out of the discussion.

bob, riverside,

Shame on celebrities or anyone else who would become so casual about using swear words, whatever they might be. Have we become so stupid that we don't know how to communicate without them? Who's attention are we trying to get anyway! Whatever happened to decency and setting a good example? Shame on all who debase our language and our
culture and those who provide a forum for this type of behavior!

J. Neff, Seattle, USA/WA

To even have such a need for this ruling is appalling. To use expletives in conversation simply implies a limited vocabulary and lack of the command of the English language. Why don't we all grow up, use the dictionary for learning instead of wiping our little behinds and use our minds for something other than tantalizing, sensuous and vulgar rhetoric?! We should return to thinking above the neck, not below the waist and elevate our childrens' sense of decency, respect for others and re-establish moral integrity. This is the very reason our television stays silent in a corner until such time as we choose a movie that is void of such tripe.

Patrick Weber, Verona, Kentucky

Children already use these words.. learned from listening to their parents, friends and classmates. Using children as a defense in this situation is ridiculous. Frankly, the FCC needs to loosen their collective sphincters.. Ever watch British televison? Peppering expleteives and the occasional nude scene during prime time hasn't turned all British children into foul-mouthed sex maniacs.

Brian, Anchorage, Alaska

Watch a NFL game one Sunday morning and pay close attention to the sounds of the field (provided by those big dish shaped microphones.) Between the crunches, 'ugghs' and other groans, you will sure hear a lot of "fleeting explicatives"

We watch live events just for this type of un-predictability. Call it a sign of the appocolypse, but get with the times, this is the world we live in. Congratulations broadcasters.

Bob, Westside,

These are WORDS we are talking about. Lighten up people! The world is not going to end because of cuss words on TV that we all hear every day. The idea that we waste one dollar of tax money on policing this kind of thing is ridiculous.

Elton, Sacramento, CA

Simple solution: If one doesn't like what is broadcast or by whom, simply turn the box off and go read a book, get some excersize, help someone or take a nap. It's time the viewing public woke up and let the TV industry know who's in charge.

John Oliver, Troy, NY

I feel that the United States of America is loosing its young people to foul language, disrespect for others, self indulgence, greed and loss of family. I was disenchanted when the networks started allowing actors to say "hell and damn" during prime time. As kids we uses heck and darn. What happened? A few years back hollywood started using the word friggin' now they want to use f*** and s*** , when will the non-sense end?

Cliff Frazier, Wood Dale, USA/Illinois