hmmm, i think this is an interesting conversation but find myself both agreeing and disagreeing with both sides. first, howard stern, and his lesser known colleague bubba the love sponge (who was fired by clear channel a couple weeks ago) certainly are obscene at times, and in my opinion should not be able to transmit obscene bits to the general public. 5 years ago, i would agree that the government's involvement in this could be perceived to be a "freedom of speech" issue. but now, with the popularity of satellite radio, howard stern and pals can be subscribed to, similar to cable tv. parents can decide whether or not to expose their children to this, while they can't realistically filter their childrens exposure to radio. on the second issue (politicians capitalizing on 9/11), i have to say "get real". these are politicians, and if you think they're truly interested in protecting the families of 9/11 victims you're naive. everything they say is meant to either promote themselves/party or to demote their competitors. so yes, the republicans are taking advantage of 9/11 by using images in their commercials, and yes, the democrats are taking advantage by questions the image's use. you're both right. and you're both wrong.