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It is my opinion that it is out of this that some young people put
a gun into their mouths and pull the trigger. We can turn this
around, sir. We can address the reality of a problem and not deal
with just the symptoms, and create not only a better world for our
children but for ourselves and all of humanity.
We can end hunger. We can rid the world of nuclear weapons.
We can learn to live together as human beings on a planet that
travels through the universe, living the example of peace and
harmony among all people.
The CHAIRMAN. John, thank you very much for your excellent statement.
You talked about the importance of, in your words, an informed
and educated people, and about the importance of communication
between parents and their children. And as I understand it, that is
exactly the point that was made by the Parents Music Resource
Center group that was here earlier. That is, they are not asking for
censorship, they are not asking for Government action.
Nobody has proposed that to my knowledge. There is no legislation
that is pending that in any way suggests any censorship. The
point is not less information. Nobody is trying to prevent rock stars
from singing whatever they want or music companies from publishing
whatever they want. The question is one of communication and
openness.
Senator Exon said earlier, if we are not legislating why have a
hearing? Frequently we have oversight hearings in the Congress,
and one of the reasons for it is to just air what is going on, to bring
it out in the open, to increase information, not to reduce information.
What the mothers are saying is that they do not have sufficient
information. They want to know more, they want to be more informed.
They do not want less information. They do not want censorship. They
want more information. They want to know.
They do not want what goes on in their homes simply to be a matter
between the music artist, the rock star, and their 11- or 12-year-old,
13-year-old child. They want to be in on the act, too, and all
they want is more information as to what is going on.
And it would seem to me that that is a reasonable request for them
to make, that it is reasonable for all of us to be in on the act,
rather than just to have almost a private relationship between our
kids and somebody outside the home.
Mr. DENVER. I understand, Senator, and I applaud what is taking place
here today. My concern is that it sort of feels like, if we are
bringing this issue to the Congress through the Senate, there is a
very real possibility that legislation is going to be acted upon.
I understand that.
The CHAIRMAN. Zero.
Mr. DENVER. But several gentlemen have said that if it looks like
it is possible to make legislation, some of you today have said, if
it is possible to make legislation that you would go further with this
if there is a constitutional way to do that.
The CHAIRMAN. Just believe me, zero chance of legislation. I do
not think anybody has introduced a bill, and I do not really think
that is a possibility at all.
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