Contributed by Allen Johnson Jr and Michael Tisserand

U.S. Rep. W.J. "Billy" Tauzin (R-La.), whose House Commerce Committee oversees commercial broadcasting, has defended comedian Bill Maher's First Amendment rights in the wake of criticism surrounding Maher's comments about the U.S. military, reported Variety last week.

On his program Politically Incorrect, Maher called the U.S. military "cowardly" for lobbing cruise missiles from a remote site, contrasting such action with the bravery of a suicide terrorist "staying in the airplane when it hits the building." Maher has apologized for the remarks.

Tauzin aide Ken Johnson told Variety: "While we don't agree with what he said originally, we will continue to defend his First Amendment right to stick his foot in his mouth. ... It's an emotional time, and all of us to some extent are struggling to express ourselves."

Johnson added that Tauzin has previously been a guest on Politically Incorrect.

Other Stories This Week in News:

News Feature
The Peacemongers
Censoring Satchmo?
Escape From the White House

Bouquets & Brickbats
The Best and the Worst of the Week

Scuttlebutt
Sending Cops to Uncle Sam
Terrorism Conference Postponed
All Over the Map
IOP Sign-up, Fundraiser

Recently in Scuttlebutt:

?40 Under 40? Nominations 09 04 01

Park Protest 08 28 01

Death by the Numbers 08 28 01

Scuttlebutt Archives

Other Stories by Allen Johnson Jr and Michael Tisserand:

The Worst That Could Happen 09 18 01

Levee Board 'Spy' Saga 09 11 01

The Secret Life of Walter Mosley 06 19 01