I would have bleeped it out in order TO draw attention to it -- since the attention would happen in a public forum where there could be some explanation. The joke is in no way demeaning or offensive, but coming on the heels of such a tragic incident, even a passing reference could seem callous, especially since few viewers would stop to think that the episode was filmed months ago.

However, in context with a little explanation, which the press surrounding the edit enabled Mr. Garcia to provide, it's actually good publicity for the show, and is complimentary to the Amish when we're reminded that the joke mentions their strong community spirit. Good call, Greg. It shows that the guys behind the program are conscientious and thoughtful people even when it comes to small issues.

Did anyone even think about the fact that the Amish don't watch television so in retrospect the Amish couldn't even get offended if they wanted to. Also, I actually found the joke/line as acompliment to the works that the Amish do!

Joel, I accidently typed your name when I meant to type Greg's. I didn't mean you meade a mountain...sorry! Typing faster than I was thinking apparently!

Sounds like the creator/producer and NBC did the right thing, while TV Squad is being insensitive. I apluad the folks with "My Names Earl." It reminds me right after 911, when move releases were delayed as a move of sensitivity, NOT censorship. TV Squad, sounds so insesitive here, that it is troubling.

My mother and all of her relatives are from Lancaster County. I don't live there now, but still found the events tragic and shocking. I've always thought of Lancaster as a safe haven of sorts, a home I could always return to that wouldn't be like anywhere else. It's so peaceful and people there are generally kind. My hearts go out to the families, it's just so awful.

I'm a HUGE "My Name Is Earl" fan, and I was watching last night, and I didn't even notice the gap. I didn't even know about it until I read TVSquad today. I, for one, did appreciate the change because I do look forward to Thursdays at 8pm when I can sit down and have a good laugh.

That's what we need here, is a good laugh! I'm glad we have "Earl" to give us just that. Television should be for forgetting about our worries.

And thanks, Greg, for your comments here, also. It is much appreciated.

Malren,

I completely agree with you and I made similar points in the comments of the earlier article about this, but what's done is done. There's always so much over-sensitive worry about offending some people, while other people, namely Christians, conservatives, southerners, fat people, etc. are constantly bombarded with offenses, that something like muting the word "amish" just makes absolutely no sense at all. It's "selective concern" and not really true, universal consideration for everyone anyhow, so it all comes across as disingenuous.

While I couldn't disagree more with Greg's decision, I don't hate him for it, we just disagree on that subject, nor will I enjoy his show any less. Let's all just get on with enjoying the best comedy on TV, My Name Is Earl, and hope silly decisions like this are avoided in the future.

BTW, kudos to Greg (I'm echoing another commenter from the eariler article who's name I can't remember right now) for standing by his convictions! Just because I don't agree with them doesn't mean I don't respect them or the fact that he's steadfast in them.

I think Garcia gave his reasons behind what he did. He's trying to get people to laugh; he just didn't want people to be reminded of a tragedy right out of the gate.

Did I make too much out of it? Maybe. But if this was such a small deal, then why did Garcia feel the need to respond?

Either way, I do think unnecessary network censorship should be pointed out whenever it occurs. This time around, it wasn't the network's doing. But in the other dozens of cases we've heard about since "Nipplegate," the network's been the party doing the bleeping. If they're going to keep doing it, I'm going to keep calling them on it.

That's great and all, but it still doesn't explain the reasoning behind bleeping it. There was no disrespect. It wasn't the point of a joke. It was mentioned in happenstance, in passing. OK, so there was a tragedy involved recently that involved the Amish. And? This was actually a positive statement being made, that the Amish come together as a community to accomplish things.

It was just ridiculous to bleep it. Completely unnecessary. Joel overreacted and made a mountain out of a tiny grain of dirt.