It is regrettable that the Guyana Government was forced to suspend Mr. CN Sharma’s TV licence, but it was a fate he brought upon himself. Rebroadcasting that offensive programme, not once but thrice, was an act of gross arrogance and disrespect. His advisers should have told him so. Inciting the populace to the assassination of any head of state can be construed as an act of serious consequences.

Those who are complaining about freedom of expression should recall the case of Dan Rather who was booted out of CBS for making improper comments about President Bush. Are we too immature to understand that freedom of expression has a definite line of limitation? I pray that the Press Association learns this pronto, failing which they can do much damage both to themselves and the nation as a whole. Condoning an offence, irrespective of who the offender is, is highly unprofessional.

Mr. Sharma sought to place his blame on some person who books programmes. What disciplinary action did he take, as was portrayed by the maturity of CBS? None! Sharma has to learn that when you play rough, you can get hurt; then you shouldn’t go crying for pity. Yet, I feel sorry that he is being misled to now spend his money on litigation. Things are not as bad for him as he is trying to make us believe.

Will Mr. Sharma learn his lesson now? One doubts it, because this was not his first time he makes mistakes. But Mr. Editor, some people say that the Government can only attempt this with Sharma because he is perceived as a weakling. Other stations are just as guilty and are getting away. We wait to see how true this is. Time will tell.
H.NAUTH
NEW YORK