Free Speech verses Social Responsibility on the Public Airway

The recent comments by Don Imus about the Rutgers University Scarlet Knights women’s basketball team begs the question, how should free speech be accommodated on the public airways?

The first amendment to the US constitution guarantees every American the right to freedom of speech, but that doesn’t mean you can yell fire in a crowded theater. With every privilege comes a certain level of responsibility.

Question # 1: How can we have freedom of speech and at the same time produce citizens that celebrate the values of diversity and civility?

Question # 2: Who should decide and how do we draw the line between what’s tragic, offensive, or funny? What price should journalists, shock jocks, rappers, etc. pay when they cross that imaginary line on the public airway?