More Noise About Dirty Words
Freedom of Speech - Just Watch What You Say

Janet Jackson's boob gets Michael Powell (Colin's Son)
All Hyped Up About "Indecency", "Obscenity"
Now they are on the radio DJ's - reviewing tapes, giving fines
Basically letting the camel head in the tent
And the St. Pete council can't help but get on the cart
If they don't like your speech, no, they won't shut you up
Under the new election year fascism they will just fine you out of fiscal existence

City officials want to fine promoters if musical acts swear on stage at outdoor park venues.

City council members plan to ask each promoter to put up a $10,000 cash bond for each concert at a city park.

A $500 fine would be levied for each profanity. If the fines exceed $10,000, the city would pull the plug and the promoter would be banned from holding another event for 18 months.

"Constant vulgarity is not going to be tolerated," said council member Bill Foster. "We can't be the morality police, and we can't be the constant saviors of the First Amendment. But we can dictate what goes on in our public parks."

The city decided to take action after a particularly profane October performance by rapper 50 Cent.

"I can't tell Mr. 50 Cent not to say the F-word," said Dave Hundley, owner of the State Theater in downtown St. Petersburg. "I don't have any control of what an artist is going to do onstage. They're talking to the audience."

Hundley said the policy will cut down on the variety of concerts held in St. Petersburg. It also could discourage national promoters from considering the city as a venue, he said.

The city council is going to take up the proposal at its April 1 meeting.