June 1, 1995: Open Lines #124; Bob Dole's Attacks on Hollywood

Art Bell facilitates an open discussion about presidential candidate Bob Dole's fierce attack on Hollywood's entertainment industry, examining his accusations that movie studios and record companies are poisoning American culture with violence and depravity. Callers debate Dole's criticism of films like "Natural Born Killers" and his condemnation of Time Warner for distributing controversial rap music with explicit lyrics. Art Bell questions whether Dole's sudden focus on entertainment industry responsibility represents genuine concern or calculated political positioning to attract religious conservative voters. The conversation explores the balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility, while examining Hollywood's defensive response that Congress shares blame for societal violence through legislative failures. Callers express diverse viewpoints on media influence, censorship concerns, and the entertainment industry's role in shaping cultural values and youth behavior. The discussion touches on broader questions about corporate responsibility, parental oversight, and the relationship between fictional violence and real-world aggression. Art Bell probes the political motivations behind Dole's timing and the potential impact on First Amendment protections. This episode captures a pivotal moment in America's culture wars as politicians increasingly target entertainment media for social problems.