Library Porn
The head of California's Campaign for Children and Families considers
it a failure that the public library board finished with a 7-7 tie vote
on the question. Randy Thomasson says board members "fell down on the
job" during last week's vote -- leaving dangers to women and children.
He notes those dangers arise from associated activities by those who
view pornography, which includes masturbation and the presence of
pedophiles.
"It's a terrible place, now, in the Sacramento libraries, for women and
children because this pornography is the fuel for sexual criminals,"
Thomasson maintains.
Thomasson discloses that the American Civil Liberties Union actually
wants the library to remove porn filters and add computer desks for
more shielded pornography viewing. This is in stark contrast of
pro-family supporters who want a no-porn policy and procedures that
mirror a model from the Monroe County Library System in Rochester, New
York.
"It is a model for the country because it blocks all the pornography,
yet gives access for bona-fide research," explains Thomasson.
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors can still pass the kind of
measure that would provide such resources, says Thomasson, and he
remains hopeful that locals will bring the matter up soon for the
board's agenda.
What do you think?
John Leek wrote on April 29th 08 at 10:34PM
They did what?!
It's being paid for by public money so why can't we put a filter on there?
It's being paid for by public money so why can't we put a filter on there?
Joe Rubin wrote on April 30th 08 at 11:50AM
Because it's a library, meaning it should not restrict patron's access to information.
Verilium Uncensored wrote on April 30th 08 at 05:29PM
You're pretty f***ing dumb if you think sexual crime is "FUELED" by the presence of pornographic material in a library. Sure it may aggravate it but it isn't f***ing fueled, how ignorant are you cooped up christian dumbf****s? Quit lieing to yourself for just five seconds, and realize how dark it really is outside your false mental constructs. JESUS CHRIST.
David Pelkey wrote on April 30th 08 at 10:35PM
Wow that uncensored comment makes me sad. Obviously someone is offended because they feel targeted. Not only does it fuel sexual crime, it brings about thoughts of shame and worthlessness, which can lead to self hate and anger, and then that anger can will explode on others if it isn't dealt with. Classic example in that last comment. It's a good thing the love of God can wash over all of that.
HungryForGod wrote on April 30th 08 at 10:37PM
friend, for you to say the things you said the way you said them should prove to yourself that you're on the wrong website. we as Christians know that one sin always leads to another sin if not stopped, so yes watching porn does lead to rapes and pedophilia if not stopped before it reaches that point. we are not fighting against sex, but instead fighting against principalities, and sinful spirits aimed to further degrade the human race and pull people further from God. I will pray that God will give you a new heart one day to feel compassion and open your eyes to see the true battle going on today. both God and I love you friend, and i pray you will acknowledge that.
Kelly Williams wrote on May 2nd 08 at 10:41AM
Hello there children in the libraries. I won't go into my public library because there are no filters. Graig you guys are doing a great job.
Suricou Raven wrote on May 2nd 08 at 02:43PM
""It is a model for the country because it blocks all the pornography, yet gives access for bona-fide research," explains Thomasson."
Impossible. Can't be done. If he claims that, he is deluded or lying. Filters can block some porn and no research, or most porn and some research. They cannot block most porn and no research. Nor can they block all porn, except by rendering the access unusable.
I think this might be blown out of proportion. How many people would look at porn in a library, with so many others watching them? All that is needed to deal with the problem is for the librarian to tell people to stop occasionally. That's all.
"He notes those dangers arise from associated activities by those who view pornography, which includes masturbation and the presence of pedophiles."
This is espicially true for pedophiles. A pedophile would have to be a total *idiot* to try to find child porn in a public library - of course he is going to be caught as soon as someone glances at the screen!
I am not sure how mastubation would be dangerous, even if it did occur - but again, a library is hardly a place well-suited.
Impossible. Can't be done. If he claims that, he is deluded or lying. Filters can block some porn and no research, or most porn and some research. They cannot block most porn and no research. Nor can they block all porn, except by rendering the access unusable.
I think this might be blown out of proportion. How many people would look at porn in a library, with so many others watching them? All that is needed to deal with the problem is for the librarian to tell people to stop occasionally. That's all.
"He notes those dangers arise from associated activities by those who view pornography, which includes masturbation and the presence of pedophiles."
This is espicially true for pedophiles. A pedophile would have to be a total *idiot* to try to find child porn in a public library - of course he is going to be caught as soon as someone glances at the screen!
I am not sure how mastubation would be dangerous, even if it did occur - but again, a library is hardly a place well-suited.
Andrew wrote on May 3rd 08 at 02:43AM
"the American Civil Liberties Union actually wants the library to remove porn filters and add computer desks for more shielded pornography viewing."
That's probably one of the stupidest things I've heard to date..
That's probably one of the stupidest things I've heard to date..
Wolf wrote on May 3rd 08 at 01:29PM
libraries are *public* property so as is the internet access there, which means it's in everyones interest that obscene materials are filtered. The same has always applied to TV and radio.
I'm sorry, but I have to mention that libraries HAVE been jump-off points for sexual crimes. Google "Jeffrey Curley". What you'll find will disturb you.
I'm sorry, but I have to mention that libraries HAVE been jump-off points for sexual crimes. Google "Jeffrey Curley". What you'll find will disturb you.
Paul wrote on May 3rd 08 at 11:50PM
It's fine for commenters to disagree with the Christian world view, but it would be nice if they didn't use profanity to do it. How about some moderating of comments here, webmasters?
Suricou Raven wrote on May 4th 08 at 12:02PM
"That's probably one of the stupidest things I've heard to date.."
I think it's probably a lie. While the ACLU does hold a few odd positions, I don't think this is one of them - more likely they are being misrepresented. They don't support viewing pornography, they just believe that using any technological means to prevent it would be unconstitutional and place a dangerous amount of power in the hands of the filter operators (Would some of them ban the more graphic anti-abortion sites as 'obscene'?)
I think it's probably a lie. While the ACLU does hold a few odd positions, I don't think this is one of them - more likely they are being misrepresented. They don't support viewing pornography, they just believe that using any technological means to prevent it would be unconstitutional and place a dangerous amount of power in the hands of the filter operators (Would some of them ban the more graphic anti-abortion sites as 'obscene'?)
SkepticNut wrote on May 5th 08 at 07:36PM
"HungryForGod wrote on April 30th 08 at 10:37PM
we as Christians know that one sin always leads to another sin if not stopped, so yes watching porn does lead to rapes and pedophilia if not stopped before it reaches that point. we are not fighting against sex, but instead fighting against principalities, and sinful spirits aimed to further degrade the human race"
This is the most deluded thing I have read in a while. Your probably also think sci/fi books/games lead to witchcraft and devil worship (also not true incase you actually DO believe that). I am Christian, but things like the above are sooo far out of field in la la land. Porn doesnt lead to rape and pedophilia, those people are sick to begin with.
Back on topic, I do think there should be some filtering to keep young kids off these sites, but nothing major. I know from experience when I was in school that the heavier programs block ALOT of clean sites.
we as Christians know that one sin always leads to another sin if not stopped, so yes watching porn does lead to rapes and pedophilia if not stopped before it reaches that point. we are not fighting against sex, but instead fighting against principalities, and sinful spirits aimed to further degrade the human race"
This is the most deluded thing I have read in a while. Your probably also think sci/fi books/games lead to witchcraft and devil worship (also not true incase you actually DO believe that). I am Christian, but things like the above are sooo far out of field in la la land. Porn doesnt lead to rape and pedophilia, those people are sick to begin with.
Back on topic, I do think there should be some filtering to keep young kids off these sites, but nothing major. I know from experience when I was in school that the heavier programs block ALOT of clean sites.
Kaydon wrote on May 13th 08 at 12:53AM
"Thomasson discloses that the American Civil Liberties Union actually wants the library to remove porn filters and add computer desks for more shielded pornography viewing. This is in stark contrast of pro-family supporters who want a no-porn policy and procedures that mirror a model from the Monroe County Library System in Rochester, New York."
Oh noes! the big bad atheist conspiracy! Blatant mischaracterization, wow this source already sounds legit.
I'm so glad this spokesperson knows how porn filters and search engines work too. With those its either all or nothing, no in-betweens. Either everything relating to sex will be blocked or you get a stupid in between where some porn will be let in and some research blocked. That's how this technology works.
And how has masturbation ever hurt anyone...?
Shame on Craig for posting such a ridiculous "news" piece by such a non-legit source.
Oh noes! the big bad atheist conspiracy! Blatant mischaracterization, wow this source already sounds legit.
I'm so glad this spokesperson knows how porn filters and search engines work too. With those its either all or nothing, no in-betweens. Either everything relating to sex will be blocked or you get a stupid in between where some porn will be let in and some research blocked. That's how this technology works.
And how has masturbation ever hurt anyone...?
Shame on Craig for posting such a ridiculous "news" piece by such a non-legit source.
