Now let us read from Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 71, Section 1464 of the United States Code. It refers to the broadcast of obscene material by means of radio. Ahem.
“Whoever utters any obscene, indecent, or profane language by means of radio communication shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both(.)”*
Ah. The nigh-biblical words of our blessed codified law. Note the use of the word “utter” … derived from the word utteren in Middle English, meaning “outer” or perhaps “to disclose.” Gives the subject a kind of implied menace that only the precise language of law can provide, doesn’t it? Not only is it bad to say something obscene, but even letting such a thing slip by accident is just as wrong.
But wait. Some considerate folks believe that there is just not enough precision in old Section 1464. In fact, they’d like to make it plain and clear just what obscene really is. Isn’t that nice? Why should you be troubled with having to actually exercise your own discerning logic? True, you could let your own tastes and values decide when you should reach for the radio dial, but why bother? So now let us read from the amendment proposed by Congressman Doug Ose of California.
“As used in this section, the term `profane’, used with respect to language, includes the words `shit’, `piss’, `fuck’, `cunt’, `asshole’, and the phrases `cock sucker’, `mother fucker’, and `ass hole’, compound use (including hyphenated compounds) of such words and phrases with each other or with other words or phrases, and other grammatical forms of such words and phrases (including verb, adjective, gerund, participle, and infinitive forms).”*
Whoa … that’s pretty saucy, Mr Ose. Good thing I’m quoting from the public records available online via our venerable and dependable Library of Congress. Otherwise, I’d be concerned that I was spreading filth to the masses. As it is, I’m simply repeating information offered without censor by our own federal government. What a relief, that is.
Here’s a funny thing. I wonder if Mr Ose realizes that he has now provided a new game to scores of precocious grade-schoolers. I call it Find Dirty Words In The Leglative Record. Try it yourself! It’s great! Just go to the LOC’s Thomas site, pop in one of the Big Bad Words mentioned in the proposed amendment, and … voila! Let the giggling commence, because there it is!
1 Bill from the 108th Congress ranked by relevance on “piss “.1 bill containing your phrase exactly as entered.
Teehee! Way to go, Mr Ose!
And by the way, if you think that Mr Ose is just a silly man with a plan, you might want to check this handy list of 41 co-sponsors. I would like to specifically direct the attention of my fellow Georgians to familiar names like Nathan Deal, Johnny Isakson, and Charlie Norwood. Perhaps you would like to express your heartfelt appreciation for their attempt to safeguard you from the dangers of dirty words … (Thanks due to Neil Gaiman for bringing this to my attention.)
