[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by mousepod

Scaeagles, how did you feel about the Reagan movie that was pulled from broadcast on CBS due to conservative pressure?

Originally Posted by Scaeagles

Most posters here are quite intelligent (though I would also claim many are misguided ). Sorry to say, but i don't think the general population is. The problem with making up stories about real people that actually existed is that the less than brilliant will think it is true. I would be willing to bet that all 25% mentioned in the poll would believe that Reagan actually said "they that live in sin shall die in sin" or whatever the exact movie quote is, as well as the other offensive and unfactual references and comments are in the miniseries.

Protests happen all the time. Rush Limbaugh was the spokesman for Florida OJ for a bit, but NOW protested so vocally, even though they were small in numbers, and applied pressure to have him removed.

Let's say a miniseries is created about Clinton. In that miniseries he is portrayed as not having a relationship with Monica L, but applying the power of his office to pressure her into doing what she doesn't want to do or maybe actually raping her. Though I am not a Clinton fan by ANY means, I would find that offensive because it is simply historical revisionism, not artistic license, and should not be broadcast, for the same reason that a story about that shouldn't be printed in a local newspaper.

Artistic license does not entitle the artist in question to make up stories about the subject because they could imagine it happening.

Personally, I think CBS pulled it because of liability issues. I believe Showtime will not run it for the same reason. The Reagan family and his loyal former staff and cabinet members would surely not allow this slander to go unchallanged. I may not understand all of the legal issues involved in slander, but as I understand it, if you print something about someone you know is not true you are liable for damages. I don't think the National Enquirer knows certain stories they have been sued for are not true, but they haved been sued successfully when they have had no evidence to back up their stories.

CBS felt the public pressure, too, sure. But that is OK. You can say what you want to in this country, but must be prepared to pay the price. CBS apparently did not want to pay it. It is not censorship

Note: I added the bolding. Link