"I think we all know why the conservative right and the networks make the choice to show 'Saving Private Ryan' in war time, rather than 'Apocalypse Now'. "

Guest, from your post it does not sound like YOU know the reason why the network chose to air Saving Private Ryan. Simply put, it is ratings and business.   Saving Private Ryan is still a "new" picture that ABC has exclusivity for broadcast showing. Apocalypse Now is an older picture that has gone into syndication. Even if ABC could get a contract for Apocalypse Now, they would not draw the same ratings based on the age of the two films. It is a business decision, not a political one.

I also disagree with your feelings that Apocalypse Now does NOT glorify war. I find it an incredibly insulting movie based on a piece of fiction and a sterotypical view of Vietnam.

If they really want to make a statement, let them air Robert Altman's unedited version of M*A*S*H*, although it too is in syndication.

Also, Michael Powell was appointed during the Clinton administration. It is very easy to see that the recent actions that he is taking is part of a calculated effort to change the fabric of television and radio.   Janet Jackson's nipple wasn't the first to be seen on television. People uttered "fuck" before Bono. Graphic war scenes were shown on network televsion before, including Saving Private Ryan. The FCC and the current administrations "mandate" about "moral values" has created an atmosphere that allows these events to occur.   Michael Powell has become the Joe McCarthy for this generation.   It's time people wake up. The FCC needs to get back to licensing and technical issues, something that it handles. They are not arbiters of taste.   Just looking at Powell's suits shows that he has very little taste!