Saturday, January 17, 1998

Cheer for Hamilton

My hat is off to Judge Lee Hamilton for stepping forward and proposing specific guidelines for porn businesses to adhere to in Taylor County. I have not been alone in praying for just such an action. Thank you, Judge Hamilton, for your efforts, current and future.

Of course, there will be opponents to any measure requiring people to act responsibly, as this is a moral and, therefore, spiritual matter.

I really only have one question for the detractors of such action. Would they please list all known benefits of the pornographic industry? Exercising one's freedom of speech (the bedrock of the porn industry's justification) is not a benefit in itself, as any hate-monger or liar may do the same thing. Any addition to the local economy is marginal at best. What is left?

However, well-established information plainly concludes that the porn industry produces crime (something Hamilton mentioned in Tuesday's paper), disease, sexual abuse of the worst kind, addictions, abortions, broken marriages, mistrust -- the list goes on.

Without a doubt, someone will say, "Hey, if you don't like it, don't use it." That is great advice, if you don't mind telling a 10-year-old rape victim that her attacker was addicted to a perfectly legal vice. Is this a fair price to pay for others' freedoms?

Thank you again, Judge Hamilton. You are doing the right thing.

BRIAN PALMER

Abilene

Via e-mail

The beat goes on

In response to "Child support blues" (Jan. 14): I too have been getting the runaround from the attorney general's office.

When one finally gets through the 800 number, one is told, and I quote, "Oh, I am so sorry you are having so much trouble getting through, but I assure you we are posting the monies on time."

When asked why they don't go direct deposit, I was told to contact my state representative. When you do, you get, "Oh, no direct deposit? I thought there was. Write us a letter, and we will see what we can do." So far, there has been no response.

It looks to me that the state is making a lot of interest at our expense. I see no good reason for it to take 15-30 days for a letter/check in an envelope to arrive. Do you?

As for the new and improved computer system, what a joke. Just try calling it. If you are one of the lucky ones, your check will be posted three days after you receive it.

KAREN BUTLER

Tuscola

Via e-mail