We of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour have had our share of censorship
problems. But we are not against censorship, because we realize there is
always the danger of something being said. Many people feel that
censorship is a violation of freedom of speech. Bullfeathers. Censorship
is not unconstitutional. Censors have a right to censor what you hear. The
Bill of Rights says nothing about the freedom of hearing. This, of course,
takes a lot of fun out of the freedom of speech. Without censorship of
television, how else can you, the American public, have the protection you
want from vulgar scenes, overexposed bodies, and all the other sights you
like to see? There's nothing in the Bill of Rights about freedom of
seeing. You can look for it, but if you see it, you'd better not show it
to anybody. And let's face it; there have to be some realistic taboos
about political comment. After all, the leaders of our country were not
elected to be tittered at. Censors have to draw the line somewhere. For
instance, we are allowed to say that Ronald Reagan is a lousy actor. But
we're not allowed to say he's a lousy governor. Which is ridiculous. We
know he's a good actor. And you can't say anything bad about President
Johnston, because you shouldn't insult the president. But, if you
compliment him, who will believe it? So, you can see that there is a place
for censors, and we only wish we could tell you where it is.

And that's the last thing I have to say to "President Johnston."