Senator John Marty letter about KQRS

KQRS Remembers Its Rights, But Ignores Its Responsibilities
http://www.apple-pie.org/ttp/default.asp?articleid=2

Unfortunately, several days after the shock of such brutality fades, we
return to our casual acceptance of racist rhetoric. Take the recent
controversy over the KQRS "Morning Show". The June 9th broadcast, where
the show's hosts reacted to the tragic murder of a newborn with
derisive sneering at the Hmong community and culture, did not offend
every Minnesotan. It probably did not even offend every Hmong
Minnesotan. But it certainly did not promote understanding and respect.
Host Tom Barnard was fostering simplistic stereotypes and racial
resentment.

As the KQRS controversy grows, many Minnesotans have expressed their
disgust at the station's irresponsible behavior, and its stubborn
refusal to apologize. A growing number of corporate sponsors have
chosen to pull advertising from the station.

The Morning Show hosts delude themselves into thinking that building
racial resentment is ok, as long as they offend others too. Tom
Barnard's hate-filled and offensive remarks about Carl Pohlad during
the stadium debate last year were equally unacceptable, not a
justification for his verbal assaults on people from other cultures.

Like Earl Butz, Tom Barnard has a constitutional right to use crude
racist humor. Unfortunately, unlike President Ford, who held Butz
accountable, KQRS management has been unwilling to provide even a
simple apology. They seem pleased that Barnard is attacking those
individuals and businesses who dare to stand up to his hateful
rhetoric. They brag that the "Morning Show" ratings are up.

Tom Barnard, his co-hosts, and KQRS management certainly know their
rights. It would be a welcome change if they would learn their
responsibilities too. They could actually apologize. They could help
make our community more welcoming to people of every race and ethnic
background. And that would be within their constitutional rights too.