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Lindy's program only runs once a week, on Sundays from 9 pm until 12 am. It used to be on 3 times a week but Lindy cut it down a couple years ago to twice a week, and then last year to once a week to focus more on other things (like dance). Usually it is about 60% talk and 40% music. Talking topics and guests range from which Wizarding clothing stores produce their clothes in a morally acceptable way to which members of the Wizengamot are probably a bit fruity to goldfish breeding to oh right, the Ministry hates Mudbloods, y'know? Lindy has always made a point of making sure both sides of any debate get to have their say during the three hours a week that he determines what people all over the country hear. This week, it was entirely music. Lindy spoke to say the names and artists of the songs, and that was it. He sounded fairly subdued. He played an unusually large amount of Jack's music, which he usually tries not to do. Integrity, and all.
At five to midnight, having just played and identified 'Take Me With You' from Jack's first EP (Run As Fast As You Can, 1967), Lindy said the following:
"The WWN has always, to me, represented freedom. I've always been impressed with the willingness, despite its position as the Wizarding nation's primary broadcasting service, to showcase a variety of musical styles and opinions for the public's consumption. I wish I could say I'd always wanted to be a part of the WWN, that it'd been a dream of mine since I was a kid. I'm sad to admit I've never loved anything... other than a human, that much. With that much dedication. Or passion. I came to the WWN because working here was an occupation I could respect and enjoy, and because my friend had gotten work here already. A few of you are probably aware that this show's named after that friend, the bloke you just heard, Jack Sinistra. Newly former host of 'Hop to It Like Your Feet Are Ablaze'. You've probably heard by now that Jack, after giving a few people an unprecendeted opportunity to speak out in a very public way about the wrongs the Ministry had done them, was taken in by the Ministry, questioned... intensely, and, with the cooperation of the WWN, permanently banned from setting foot in this building again.
"Jive, I know you're listening to this, and I'd like to remind you that I fully support your staying at home, staying out of this building, and consequently not getting arrested. As fair reminder.
"I'm not one to jump to conclusions or take sides. I'd like to think that over the past few years here, I've come in every week and done an exceptional job of giving both sides of sundry arguments the chance to make their opinions and the reasoning behind them known. I'm not impressed with the level of fanaticism being displayed as of late either by the Ministry's firmest supporters or its most enraged detractors. This much is obvious: the Ministry of Magic does not have a positive or even particularly humane attitude towards Muggles, Muggleborns, halfbloods, or the people who sympathize with them. Edgar Bones was not a man previously predispositioned to exceptional displays of homicidal violence. Rodolphus Lestrange has more kills than any other Hit Wizard of his age group and rank. The Daily Prophet is no longer a valid source of news but a means for the Ministry to put forth propaganda and delude the public. The WWN no longer defends -- or indeed tolerates -- free speech." (At this point Lindy was beginning to sound much more agitated than he initially had. There is some background noise, but it was difficult to discern any words. It sounded like someone was shouting in another room.) "All of this should be recognized and condemned for what it is, but I beg all of you to think things through before reacting to them. Think about what you need to defend, and then think about how much you're willing to sacrifice to defend it. I cannot in good conscience work for a company that will dismiss a man for giving people the chance to tell their stories.
"My brother-in-law is a Muggle. My 6-year-old neice and 2-year-old nephew very well may be as well. For their sake, I cannot pretend to be comfortable with the current administration's policies, or with the people who support these policies. I will continue to believe that blood purists have every bit as much right as I do to express their opinions in a peaceful manner. I, unlike the Ministry and the station you're listening to now, do not advocate censorship based on difference of opinion. I wish the best of luck to all of you, whatever side you're on. Live your life the way you need to, and don't let something happen if you can't stand to see it so. It's been a pleasure talking to all of you, and I'll treasure the many times you've chosen to talk back. If you need me, you'll be able to find me, I'm sure. Keep an eye out for the revolutionaries; I'll not raise a finger in this, but the excrement has officially hit the cooling device and there's no backing down, now. Sadly, I've got to go now; my boss is outside the room and red in the face, and I believe those are Hit Wizards with him. Don't forget this, any of you. And don't get hurt.
"Good night and good luck. I love you, J."
Lindy's boss was the one who called the Hit Wizards in; he'd already been suspicious Lindy was going to pull something because you'd have to be daft not to suspect it, as Jack is Jack and Lindy is Lindy. Said boss is very intent on keeping the WWN on the Ministry's good side right now. Lindy was taken in for a chat with the Hit Wizards that was actually fairly peaceful, if not especially calm, as Lindy was exceedingly polite throughout the entire thing and really gave no Ministry employees any good reason to be properly pissed off at him (unlike Jack, who as we know, is mouthy). He was released about two hours and forty five minutes later, largely unharmed. He, like Jack, is now banned from setting foot on WWN property.
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