Free speech is free speech. Should I say it again? I read an article today about how us "free" Westerners are mad that Iran is censoring the internet to prevent against "Western Immorality." We hear similar goings-on in China, although we usually just label that as "Communist repression." I call bullshit.

Before Americans get too judgmental, let's remember that the general powers of American states are to look after the general welfare and the morals of the people. Indeed, the FCC is looking to fine CBS mega-bucks for its Super Bowl gaffe where Janet Jackson's breast was exposed for a milli-second. Sponsors dropped out and conservative advocates called for an immediate cancelling of The Shield, a show where a cop shot and killed another cop in the pilot. And most major networks on television and radio are legally prevented from using words like "shit," "fuck," or "cock." And even pay channels like Cinemax will only show "soft core" adult films.

Am I advocating that any of the above should be done? No. But neither am I advocating against them. All I'm saying is that our culture draws moral lines and tells others it cannot cross them. So what gives us the right to be indignant for other cultures doing the same thing just because they draw their lines in different places? It smacks of hypocrisy.

To be honest, I think disclosure is the answer. Take movies. They are given an age-appropriate rating and an explanation of why. That said, you can do whatever you want in a movie. Why not do the same with other venues? Restrict speech less and just put advance publication on the content level, so families can take it onto their own to enforce their chosen brand of morality, rather than have the state force one on us.