Robert Dole

Robert Dole served in the U.S. Senate from 1969 to 1996, when he resigned to run for president as the nominee of the Republican Party (Dole lost the election to Bill Clinton). The following viewpoint is taken from a May 31, 1995, speech that Dole delivered in Los Angeles, California, shortly after announcing his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. In the address, Dole attacks the American entertainment industry for putting profits ahead of human values by producing violent and degrading motion pictures and music recordings. He argues that such products threaten the nation’s children and debase America’s culture.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What two goals does Dole say he hopes to accomplish in his address?
2. What examples of media violence and depravity does Dole list?
3. How does Dole counter the...