Letter_to_the_Editor

April 27, 2011 Kennebec Journal 274 Western Avenue Augusta, ME 04330 Dear Editor, I am writing a letter in response to a guest editorial done by Roger Ekins, on January 11, 1986. Mr. Ekins stated that he is part of a group that is bringing a bill before the state legislature entitled, “An Act to Prohibit the Promotion of Pornographic material in the State of Maine”. He also stated in the same letter that he doesn’t like the idea of censorship, for me, the two statements are the opposite of each other. By applying his contemporary community standards, he wants to pass a bill that will save everyone from being subjected to sexism, depravity and violent, anti-social behavior. But, unfortunately, not everyone wants saving from these types of things. Being able to choose pornography and obscene devices is exactly that, a choice. In the United States we are free to say and do what makes us happy. If we allow the government to take more freedoms from us, where will it end' Will they end up banning Playboy then Victoria’s Secret Magazine then the Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Issue because they constitute obscenity and encourage rape' The answer would be yes, if Mr. Ekins had his way. Mr. Ekins said he does not want to offend our First Amendment sensibilities. Freedom of speech is one of the great things about America, whereas, everyone has the right to make up their own minds. The state of Maine currently allows adults to make their own choices, with dissemination of obscene material illegal to minors only. To answer Mr. Ekins questions, Yes it would really be suppressing valid free speech rights by imposing this new restrictive legislation by the passing of the proposed Maine bill. Our first Amendment freedoms are most in danger when the government seeks to control our speech and our thoughts, to justify its laws. Being able to choose is the beginning of freedom, and speech must be protected from the government because speech is the beginning of thought. Although I did think that Mr. Ekins had some valid points, I would recommend that he pick another battle that contributes more to our society. He would make a great advocate for protecting children in our society from harm. But as for adults, this Maine bill is really asking us to hand over more of our freedoms to our state and government and this is something, as Americans, that we should avoid. Sincerely, Sally Ingram (Add Address & Phone)