Freedom of Speech? Freedom From Media

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Last night I watched something I don’t normally watch -  Countdown with Keith Olbermann.   It’s not that I don’t normally watch that show; I don’t normally watch any political show.  I’m not really a politico of sorts.  I tried to play politics a few years ago, but things usually don’t work out well for honest people in politics.

Anyway, there was a segment on with “Man-cow” the Chicago based radio host.  Now, I’ve loved Man-cow ever since I got satellite radio.  He’s witty, out-spoken, and just plain funny.  During his show, Man-cow has said that he didn’t believe water-boarding was torture, and thus agreed to be water-boarded during his show one day.

Before we delve any further into this subject I want to stop some speculation right here.  Much like Robert Wuhl, my dad was a Republican and my mom a Democrat – so I, too, am able to see both sides of every issue.  I am not here to discuss whether or not water-boarding is torture, my feelings on water-boarding, or if we should cease or continue with the practice.  I’m not an interrogator, not trained in interrogation, nor am I currently a member of any of the US Armed Services.  I have no direct knowledge of any successes or failures directly, or indirectly, associated with water-boarding.  To summarize – I am NOT writing about water-boarding.

What I am writing about is free speech.  Man-cow, for lack of a better term, a “shock-jock” favored by the right and sometimes slighted by the left, agreed to be water-boarded to prove his point.  After 10 -15 seconds of water-boarding (by a US Marine, no less), Man-cow ended the stunt.  He has since come to say that water-boarding is a form of torture.  That’s just wonderful.  Not that he says water-boarding is torture – he changed his opinion based on facts and personal experiences.  Isn’t that one of the best things about being an American?  You can change your mind.