PBS bedtime story-teller fired for a 30 second satirical adult clip seven years ago

PBS is clearly under the oppresive thumb of the New Puritans.

This is insane. Mark Morford reports in today's SF Chronicle:

What sort of people are we? What sort of warped and reckless and utterly silly value system do we suck on in this culture? Why are we so wildly, preternaturally terrified of all things sexual while at the same time drawn to it all like fat teenagers to French fries? ...

Yes indeed, before joining PBS (a full seven years before, mind you), Martinez apparently appeared in two harmless, 30-second satire videos called "Technical Virgin" in which she spoofs PSAs by joking about -- say it with me now -- sex and virginity. Gasp. And PBS found out about it. Because Martinez told them.

And of course, PBS, spineless as a jellyfish licked by Pat Robertson, immediately fired her. They claimed the dialogue in Martinez's humor videos somehow meant she wasn't a good role model for their fluffy kiddie show. A show, remember, that's designed for 3-year-olds. For creatures who can barely go to the bathroom by themselves, much less understand the meaning of an adult satiric video they will never ever see.

It is sadly appropriate that this happens now. Morford also brings the issue of gender to this insanity:

Plus, it must be said, Martinez is a woman. She's relatively young, attractive, alive. She's still a vibrant, sexual being. She is not a 60-year-old Mrs. Doubtfire type in spectacles and a shapeless housedress. And nothing scares media executives and right-wing religious types more than youngish women who are effortlessly unafraid of sex and sly humor. Just ask, you know, Eve.

And I must say he has a point:

Now might be a good moment to point out the dozens of adult actors (male, of course) who appear in countless kiddie movies and TV shows, most of whom have happily raunchy personal histories. Haven't George Carlin, Ringo Starr and Alec Baldwin all appeared in that sweet little choo-choo train show, "Thomas the Tank Engine"? What about Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, Chris Rock? What of all the big (male) stars who appear on, provide voices for, even produce kiddie shows? Is it because they're famous? Because they're rich older men, whereas Martinez is a nonfamous youngish sexual female and is therefore an eternal danger to all mankind everywhere?

Read the whole rant. It is SO worth it.