Sam Brownback

In the following selection, Kansas senator Sam Brownback explains his views on violent and degrading lyrics. Brownback argues that censorship is inappropriate in a free society. However, Brownback contends, while all speech should be permitted, certain forms should not be considered respectable. He maintains that lyrics glorifying murder, rape, and other crimes are dangerous because they will lead to a more violent society. Brownback concludes that such songs should be publicly evaluated and criticized. This speech was originally given to the City Club in Cleveland on March 23, 1998.

I WANT TO TALK WITH YOU TODAY ABOUT MUSIC and freedom about lyrics, liberty and license. This is an issue that is important to me-as it is, I suspect, important to you. I can't think of a more fitting place for this discussion here, at a forum...