The Fire Next Time (2005)

The documentary we watched in class was quite interesting. After watching the video we mostly discussed the radio Dj who was preaching hate and attempting to stir the pot to get others to act out on what he believes is wrong. At first, I felt that his speech had gone into action and that he should be taken off the air. But after thinking about it, I have to disagree with myself. When I read Outspoken there was a story about a young man who wrote, I believe the comic was called Boiled Angels. The comic featured very graphic, stomach-turning images. He was later deemed a suspect in a murder case that he really had nothing to do with. In that case-I remember thinking that for the most part I don't believe what some says should make that liable for another's actions. And one the same level-Marilyn Manson was attacked by the media after the Columbine school shootings, the media and country looking to blame the scapegoat, Manson, instead of looking at the real issues. In these cases I didn't think that what these people, the comic artist and Manson, had anything to do with crimes that they were being accused of.
The radio DJ, I fully and whole-heartedly disagree with him and he does spread hate with his message-which is why I was quick to think that he should be taken off air, but after thinking about it I don't think he should be held responsible for what is going on in that town. I think he is a part of it, but he can't be held liable for another's actions just because he has a hate ideology. The real problem in that town is that a lot of people are out of work and they need someone to blame--which has become mostly environmentalists but also liberals, and others that are deemed to be "outsiders." When you take a good look at that video, I think you can see a lot of people that are in a lot of pain. People can't provide for their family and people don't know a way out of their own situation--and this leads to acting out on your frustrations.
I do believe that the radio DJ is irresponsible and unethical with his right to free speech, but I don't think his speech should be taken off air. Although I do think he crosses the line when he gives out names and adresses on air-which I think should be limited--
I disagree with all that he says, but is it wrong for me (or the govt) to take him off the air? And what good would that do?