Although the satiric cartoon series "South Park" is at times incredibly raunchy and not fit for, well, even adults, I have to respect the way the creators of this series, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, exhibit freedom of speech and stand up against the power and influence of all they mock (most notable are high-powered Hollywood types). I don't always agree with the way they portray the issues that are deeply embedded in the cartoon (trust me, they are there), but nonetheless this is indicative of the freedom intended by the founders of this country.
So, reading about a possible high-level influence by Tom Cruise to repress a second showing of a recent South Park episode, titled "Coming out of the closet", I went to www.youtube.com and found the episode in its entirety and watched it. As usual, pretty hilarious. Ahh, the power of the internet over traditional media. Read this story about why a re-broadcast of this episode was pulled by Comedy Central and then head over to youtube.com (search for "Tom Cruise South Park") and watch the episode. It basically shreds the notion of Scientology to pieces as its main theme. Now, whether you are a Scientologist or not, the point I am making is that the freedom to air something like this is what makes this country great. You can vehemently agree or disagree with the artist's way of displaying a current sociological hot button, but at least it was created and is available for all to see - for that is pushing the envelope.
Ok -- since I know you want it, if you want to watch a short clip of this episode, click the "Play" button on the below window.
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