Re: [CR] OT; A time for protest?

(Example: History:Ted Ernst)

From: "Jon Schaer" <jschaer@columbus.rr.com>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
References: <006b01c3a3e4$89afb2d0$0400005a@DaveP> <00db01c3a3ee$06691600$89245f18@columbus.rr.com> <3FA99036.60307@sympatico.ca>
Subject: Re: [CR] OT; A time for protest?
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 2003 21:39:38 -0500


----- Original Message ----- From: "Warren & Elizabeth" <warbetty@sympatico.ca>
> Sorry to disagree Jon but this subject has been actively covered on the
> Oldroads web page and they have quite a few members making submissions and are getting responses.
>

I think you are confusing "responses' with action and results. Talk is cheap. Sure, the Clear Channel authorities want to assuage the complainers making a stink, but they'll choose to do the things that take little effort, but have the appearance of corrective action. It's like these doping sentances in pro racing where they give a decent sentance, then suspend a big chunk of it, or have them serve it in the off-season when no one cares. I say do it right or don't do it.
> Apparently the authorities (FCC?) are putting
> these people on the mat. There are hearings scheduled. A concerted
> effort on behalf of concerned cyclists can indeed influence the media to
> mind it's "P's and Q's".
>

I hear what you're saying, but I'm just not convinced there's anything of real value happening. I sure hope I'm wrong.
> It's not
> really appropriate to be be so thoroughly dismissive of people trying to
> make a difference...especially when it concerns your own personal safety.
>

Don't misunderstand me. I'm not dismissing efforts at all. I'm saying, since no one I know of has infinite free time to devote, make what time you do devote count. I put some volunteer effort into local advocacy, and there are many people, locally and abroad, that do much, much more than I do. I wholeheartedly applaud that effort. I don't support beating one's head against a wall to achieve, if not nothing, very little, for the investment. The damage Clear Channel stations have done is done. The bell can't be unrung. I believe, rather than exerting time fighting CC to change, or apologize, run PSA's, or whatever, use that same effort towards already established and effective advocacy avenues.

Jon Schaer
Columbus, OH