'Book of Daniel' is rightly criticized

I found Michael Maloney's Jan. 12 opinions regarding keeping The Book of Daniel television program on the air to be typical of people growing more apathetic, secular and relativistic. Is nothing worth standing up for anymore?

Mr. Maloney's statement that "it is not (letter writer Mona Silva's) place to prevent me from watching or listening to anything I find entertaining" may be true, in part. Legally, what one watches or listens to is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. There are no limitless freedoms of speech afforded by the First Amendment.

One has the right to express oneself, but one does not have the right to be heard. This has long been the flaw in pop-culture discussions on censorship. While the government cannot control your thoughts or speech, there is no requirement that this speech be broadcast to the whole world. In a capitalist society, market forces largely determine that.

Ms. Silva was simply encouraging people of faith to work within the system to make their outrage concerning this offensive program known. Saying that "Ms. Silva's attitude to put a stop to the broadcast of this show equates to the book-burning the Nazis conducted before and during World War II" is ridiculous and sad.

It is unfortunate that our citizens are becoming so polarized that comparisons to Nazis are made so frequently, almost casually. The Nazis ruled by intimidation, force and murder. Asking television stations to use good judgment and be sensitive to its Christian viewers is hardly a Nazi tactic.

The local NBC affiliate, WAGT-TV, is not required to air this program. Let's hope and pray that Jeffrey Marks, WAGT's general manager, will understand that this program does not reflect the morals of our community.

Doug Lockhart, Martinez