Frank Zappa Defends Free Speech on Crossfire
Here is a fascinating debate on Crossfire from 22 years ago in which some tool (John Laughlin) from the Washington Post was repeatedly insulting Frank Zappa (you know he’s half Greek, right?) and arguing for censorship of freedom of speech.
What I find most interesting is that Frank remained very calm and collected despite the fact that he was being personally attacked. Meanwhile the other guys work themselves into a frenzy.
Now that we can look back two decades ago, before anyone ever dreamed of the Internet, this whole debate just seems absurd. Indeed, anything that anyone wants to say, sing, or do, can be freely accessed by anyone else. But it hasn’t changed the people we are. Parents still have to instill a sense of morality in their kids, and we each have to follow our own moral compass.
I just wish we could get all of those guys back up on TV for another go round on the same topic today. Oh, and I wish Zappa would have kicked Laughlin’s ass!
One email per post. Twenty years of this, still going. Unsubscribe whenever.
OMG who would understand policy
I’m probably dating myself – but I remember watching this debate as well as all of those hearings. The interesting point that Frank brings up is these lyrics have always been here – but it wasn’t MTV came about that everyone chooses to censor it. Come on! Black Sabbath, Kiss, Alice Cooper all had some morally questionable acts – but had no MTV in their respectivbe eras. Therefore, it wasn’t a problem back then.
The best thing that Zappa does in this debate is not lose his cool like the the others. -> Instant credibility.
I believe you should care about your freedom. And read up on our most inspiring artist because Zappa died in the early nineties, we should stick to what we know. You and all other Americans, if you are an American, have a responsibility to act against any laws we see as unjust– It’s only patriotic, it’s what our forefathers did. The longer a government has control over a mass of people, the further corruption can work through the framework. Know your rights. Know your potential.
Thanks for posting John, very interesting and respect for a calm Zappa.
Rhoody
@Jerry that’s not nitpicking.
New York Times, Washington Post = real newspapers.
New York Post, Washington Times = anything but!
Oh my god, my life was ruined by rock and roll … lol
It is truly amazing that this vid is only 20 odd years old. It sounds like something out of the McCarthy era, perhaps?
Laughlin was with the Washington Times, not the Washington Post. That may seem like a nitpick, but it is an important distinction.
Thanks for posting this. Zappa was prophetic, and he would have loved the Internet.
Wow! Does Frank ever hold his own!. He pawned everybody. No one on that panel had any idea how informed and articulate he was.
So composed. I’m absolutely impressed by Frank Zappa and appreciate this post. This was a blast to watch. Thanks!
I believe Zappa and alike should be put in the slammer for ruining our children’s innocence.
Hes defending the right of freedom of speech, its not as if the children are being pushed into buying the album.