Response to complaint about Ayers Ad

[davidpdx]

As many of you know that I posted the very canned response I recieved from the GM of WPXI based on my complain of American Issues Project's ad:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=6786934&mesg_id=6786934

Here is my response:

Mr. Carter,

I take a strong objection to your response on so many levels, I'm not sure where to begin. First, the issue is not simply free speech, but the ability of people to spread lies, hate and misinformation. The fact that you merely use freedom of speech (which I strongly support by the way) as an excuse to air this despicable piece of trash ad, is insulting. I'm wondering if I produce an ad that connects you (or better yet your family) to Hitler, will you run it? How will your "legal team" feel about it?

Just so you think I'm not some crazy idiot writing you, I'm going to inform you that I am a professor at a university. I consider myself to be well educated and politically knowledgeable. In short, I am not a person who simply will runaway from conflict.

By the way, just so you and your "legal team" knows, The Columbus Dispatch published a piece on August 23rd (1) that states the ad, "attempts to plant a false impression that Obama sympathizes with radical groups such as the Weather Underground". TMP calls AIP group's ad "slime" (2) This is the same thing you call, Mr Carter, free speech.

The second issue is the fact that the McCain Campaign has violated copyright laws by using unauthorized footage from a documentary on Weather Underground by Sam Green and Bill Siegel. Thus the station, should cease and desist from airing the ad unless the station wants to find themselves part of a lawsuit.

Finally, since I know Mr. Carter, that I will likely be shunned with another canned response (by the way the first one really tested my upchuck reflex), I will tell you a tale of sorts. With all the people unemployed these days, the job market is tough. Wouldn't it be funny if a certain GM found that his advertisers were pulling their ads because of offensive and illegal ads were being run by his station? Yes Mr. Carter, there is an Easter Bunny and he can click multiple times and start making a list of your advertisers and easily spread it by email.

I think you should strongly reconsider the decision to continue to run this ad.


Sincerely,


XXXXXXX


(1) http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/08/23/copy/know_enough.ART_ART_08-23-08_A5_GPB44QH.html?sid=101

(2) http://tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/08/group_plunks_down_nearly_3_mil.php

By the way, I will be posting the names and addresses of advertisers of WPXI for DU's to write and express their disgust.