Dear editor:
Kudos to Rod in his accuracy on the matter of government always rising to our demands to grow, grow, grow! So few understand this problem and continue to ask and beg for more government. PJ ORourke's Parliament of Whores rings in my ears.
The only counterpoint I will offer to Rod is that removing books from a school library, to keep certain subject matter away from younger kids isn't the same as removing books from a public library or the internet from adults.
We adults are expected, as the laws state, to act with discernment. Kids, not so much. And having my tax dollars fund smut to be put in the hands of my kids, against my will and behind my back, is exactly the type of government I don't want.
I don't believe this abridges any rights they have because they, in the eyes of the law, don't have rights yet. Children can be protected, sheltered, guarded from things parents don't want them to see (yet) without limiting free speech and all that comes with it.
Sheltering our children to the point that they aren't aware of the world when they step into it is (probably) going too far but it is the right of the parents. That's also a tragedy, but one that is unavoidable. Much like public burning of flags, etc.
Thanks so much for another thoughtful column. Keep up the good fight, Rod!
Sincerely,
Ben Hubbard
Powell, Wyoming
