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To: FreeTally
You are still missing the point. Nobody is forcing the library to provide internet access (at least not yet).

Look at this way. It's as if the Feds passed a law that states, if a library puts Peggy Noonan's latest book on the shelf to be checked out, it must first cut out Chapter 4 with a razor blade.

Is that something Congress should do? Is it something the Constitution permits Congress to do?

That was the legal question before this court.

20 posted on 05/31/2002 8:52:03 AM PDT by Dog Gone
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To: Dog Gone
No, its not something that Congress should do or something that is Constituional, but neither are publically funded libraries - thats the problem. Also, I think there is a difference between not providing access to certain materials and altering parts of material the library carries. If I flip through a book, and notice a chapter missing, I'll just go to another library or buy the book. I still do not have a right to publically funded access to whatever I want to look at.

I guess my real problem is that libraries are publically funded in the first place. That fact creates these problems. In this case, the rationale Congress should take is that the computers are open to the public, which makes it very difficult to assure that minors are not illegally viewing porography on the public dime. Many stores are required to keep sexually explicit material behind the counter. Does that hinder adult access? Yes. It could be argued that an adult may choose not to buy the porno if he/she has to go into a "back room" or ask the sales person to fetch it behind the counter, thus hurting the producer. But, can the material still be bought? Sure. Its just that a minor's access has been restricted by placement and supervision.

Im the last person who wants Congress making any new laws and restricting anything, but the fact that the Feds have no authority to fund libraries conplicates everything.

21 posted on 05/31/2002 9:09:32 AM PDT by FreeTally
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