There are only two things I might tend to agree with the moralists on. For instance, if it can be proved that voyeuristic smut can negatively affect the minds of young and impressionable children who might happen to get ahold of it; I would have no problem with parents or others trying to ban or limit it, provided they can get enough voters to go along with their wishes. However, I believe the written word should be exempt from censorship, with the possible exception of any 'Soldier of Fortune' guidebook or website, which instructs people how to kill or seriously harm others. Likewise, directions for making nuclear weapons or dangerous/deadly explosions should also be restricted. The most unfortunate thing about morality groups, who often use sleazy or underhanded tactics to try to accomplish their goals, is that parents of young children and so-called 'Pro-Lifers' find these groups seductively appealing.
[The original version of this essay first appeared in Eastern Connecticut State University's Campus Lantern student newspaper in the early '90s and as part of my unpublished manuscript "In Mediocrity We Trust... In Debt We Die" And Other Essays.]
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