For the episode, which handles a large issue, the writers tried not to have a point of view and looked at both sides, despite what the writers personally felt.
This is the first appearance of Sideshow Mel, although he does not have any lines until the later episode Black Widower (1992).
The episode was written by John Swartzwelder, who loved Itchy & Scratchy and wrote several episodes that have them at the centre.
The episode was partially inspired by Terry Rakolta, who protested the Fox network over Married... with Children (1987).
During the original airing of the episode, the Fox satellite blew out and the entire West coast of the United States missed the first act of the episode.