THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 20, 1995 TAG: 9507200006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
I have been following a news story on both television and in newsprint about how Congress is deeply concerned about the welfare of our nation's children and television violence.
In its infinite wisdom, Congress has decided that the television manufacturers must install what Congress terms the ``V-Chip.'' This device will block transmission of any program that has a special signal encoded within. This signal will contain some type of rating system that applies to the sex-and-violence content of a broadcast program regardless of the type of program - cartoons, news shows, situation comedies and so on.
Parents will be able to enable this ``V-Chip'' to pass only the programs deemed fit for viewing within the household. Some people might say that this device may infringe the rights granted by the First Amendment. This may or may not be true. That is not my point.
This particular device is not necessary, as there are two ``high-tech'' devices currently installed in all televisions. One such device is the channel changer and the other is the on/off button. These ingenious devices have allowed generations of parents to control the viewing habits of their children. I do not want, nor do I need, Big Brother to help me control what my children watch on TV. That is my job and my responsibility as a parent.
PHIL STENSTRUM
Suffolk, July 18, 1995 by CNB