During this month, there has been active public discussion, as well as action by the Broadcasting Commission against the airplay and public presentation of vulgar, sexually explicit lyrics, in particular, with reference also to songs encouraging violence.

It might be true that there is a lot more entertainment that treats with sexual themes and that there might be a case made for the right of adults to indulge in playing such music or viewing related video presentations in private settings.

matter of lyrics

However, the matter of lyrics which encourage violence against and even the "elimination" of police informers and persons with alternative lifestyles, i.e. homosexuals, is surely nothing but incitement to murder. In which case, there should be no question of discretionary listening or viewing of what should warrant direct action by the law enforcement agencies.

Both performers and producers of such dangerously anti-social compositions should be prosecuted.

I question how many other countries would allow this degree of freedom of expression which flies in the face of the most basic human right, namely the "right to life". With the highest murder rate in the world (some statistics debatably suggest we rank a close second or third), how can we as a nation be so irresponsibly permissive?

I am, etc.,

JOHN A. MAXWELL

jmxwll@gmail.com

Kingston 6