Tolerance is too controversial

From Josh Marshall
The United Church of Christ was planning on running an ad in December where they stressed that they welcome everyone regardless of race or sexual orientation. It seems that being inclusive is too controversial and CBS and NBC will not run the ads. (you can view the ad here)The CBS explanation:

"Because this commercial touches on the exclusion of gay couples and other minority groups by other individuals and organizations," reads an explanation from CBS, "and the fact the Executive Branch has recently proposed a Constitutional Amendment to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman, this spot is unacceptable for broadcast on the [CBS and UPN] networks."

Josh points out how absurd this is after the last political campaign.

If this is really the case, we seem now to be in a country where political campaigns can be waged with flurries of ads replete with demonstrable falsehoods. And yet clear and tame political speech aimed at a pressing national debate isn't acceptable.

CBS's explanation seems to rest on the preposterous argument that because the ad addresses a major public debate that makes it "unacceptable".

Or is it just that discussing homosexuality is "unacceptable"?

If you ever wondered what is would be like to live in a right wing theocracy you don't have to go to Iran, just look around.

Note
I see this story is all over the blogosphere this morning, everywhere but MEJ that is since I can't seem to post there. This may be one of those times when blogs can have an impact.