Pornography and Christianity have something very fundamental in common - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Mondak · 12-13-2004, 05:22 PM

Thought this was interesting

http://www.alternet.org/columnists/story/20619/

Quote:

Your Brain on Porn
By Annalee Newitz, AlterNet. Posted November 30, 2004.
Pornography and Christianity have something very fundamental in common.

Damn, I just love pornography. As a woman and an upstanding American, I'm supposed to recoil with horror from pornographic images and situations; I'm supposed to think that the people involved are being exploited and that it's a degrading, icky business. Honestly, I'm far more sensitive to the idea that workers at Wal-Mart and Burger King are being exploited than I am to the idea that people in the porn industry are. When I check out porn Web sites – which I do on an almost daily basis – I'm supposed to be ashamed. But I'm not.

I watch B-grade horror movies and bad comedies and porn. So what's the big deal? Do you really think the underpaid guy in Brian Yuzna's latest blood-soaked splatterfest is somehow less exploited than babe no. 3 in Jenna Jameson's last flick? Give me a break. They both have to work with lots of fake goo, and at the end of the day they go home and laugh about it.

But somehow I've allowed my rant about porn to get in the way of my rant about science.

What's really pissing me off right now is a recent U.S. Senate hearing that was aimed at dismantling the First Amendment with incredibly bad neuroscience. Several "scientists" – including Jeffrey Satinover, a big proponent of programs that "cure" homosexuality and a backer of the idea that liberalism causes brain damage – testified that pornography is an addictive substance that affects the brain the same way heroin does, and as a result is no longer just a form of expression but instead some kind of wacky drug-delivery system.

What the fuck is it with these God-addicted Republicans? They're willing to deny all scientific reason, make laws based on stem cells having little souls, and force schools to put warning stickers on books about evolution – but suddenly, when it comes to porn, they're all about "brain chemistry" and "endogenous opoids." I mean, really: let's keep our ideology straight here, guys. If porn changes our brain chemistry, then that's obviously the way Jesus wanted it to be. End of story.

The thing that intrigued me about this hearing, aside from its inherent looniness, was how it completely ignored the way pornography is made. Instead, it focused entirely on how porn is consumed. If I were a Christian crusader, I would be most concerned with the well-being of the people creating smut – they're on the front lines. Worrying about porn consumers is sort of like saying, "Who cares about all those soldiers dying over in Iraq – think of the people who are being harmed by watching them on TV!" If you really do believe dirty pictures are bad, shouldn't you try to stop them at the source? Even Larry Flynt became a Christian for a while. It's not a lost cause, people.

But these Christians don't really care about saving the world from porn. They just want to bring back censorship any way they can. That's why Judith Reisman, a rep from the California Protective Parents Association, cited the "scientific" existence of something called "erototoxin," a completely made-up brain chemical whose name sounds like it was coined by the script doctors on Star Trek: Enterprise. Essentially, Reisman and her pals want to prove that porn causes a measurable change in its consumers' brains. From there, they'd argue that porn isn't speech but a harmful substance – thus, it can't be protected by the First Amendment.

Unfortunately this argument is a real race to the bottom, especially for Christians who believe the Bible has the power to change minds and lives. Nearly every fleeting emotion or piece of sensory input creates a chemical reaction in the brain. Geneticist Dean Hamer argued in his recent book, The God Gene, that the feelings associated with revelation and transcendence are hard-wired into our brains. In addition, many neuroscientists now believe that all kinds of thought patterns have the power to alter the brain's neural circuitry. Being converted to Christianity probably changes the brain's structure far more than masturbating to some glitter-covered cutie on FaerieFantasies.com. It's even addictive, since Christians start to feel bad if they don't go to church at least once a week.

Does all this mean that religion isn't a form of expression protected by the First Amendment? Nope. Does it mean that consumers of religion are having physical reactions to what they read in their holy books and experience in their places of worship? Yes.

Uh-oh – you know what that means, don't you? Pornography and Christianity have something very fundamental in common. They both have a somatic effect on their consumers, rewire their brains, and change people's minds. Sounds kind of like the thing you'd expect ideas to do in a country with laws that protect freedom of expression, doesn't it?

Annalee Newitz (mmmporn@techsploitation.com) is a surly media nerd who hopes to be changing the circuitry in her brain for a long time to come. Her column also appears in Metro, Silicon Valley's weekly newspaper.

Mondak · 12-13-2004, 05:23 PM

I liked it when she said "If porn changes our brain chemistry, then that's obviously the way Jesus wanted it to be. End of story."

Pretty funny. Not a bad article all around and maybe of interest to some of us at the TFP.

Coppertop · 12-13-2004, 05:48 PM

Don't see anything wrong with porn. Some people just cannot live without trying to control other people's lives. So very sad. Don't they have enough in their own lives to be concerned about?

Kudos to the article's author.

raeanna74 · 12-13-2004, 05:52 PM

Uh - I don't think it was well argued.

I'm coming from the perspective that I enjoy showing my body (as has been seen here at TFP, btw) and I enjoy looking at porn (also evidenced here).

I also have the background of having previously worked for the local organization which works to erradicate porn.

Porn can never be stopped. I don't think it is possible. We carry our bodies with us everywhere with only thin pieces of woven thread between our bodies and other's eyesite. Nudity is natural to us. If you follow the Bible you'll see that being nude is how we were created originally. Why wouldn't we want to return to that state.

As for the brain chemicals. EVERYTHING, every livin thing we do has an effect on our brain chemicals. If we pet our cat, listen to a joke, laugh, see something painful or disturbing, see something pleasant and enjoyable. It all causes our bodies to respond in different ways. Adrenaline is always accompanied by other chemicals to balance it out. Sometimes in my case I don't get the adrenaline and end up with extremely low blood pressure and I can't ignore that my body has responded to a thought, phone call, or letter by releasing chemicals. Sometimes we don't notice the changes. But our bodies push us to pursue those actions which repeatedly release the chemicals that we crave.

Personally I feel that it doesn't matter what kind of action it is so long as it's lawful and unharmful to ourselves or others. If we are respecting others it doesn't matter if religion is the pursuit that we crave because we won't push it on others and we will do what we can to follow our religion. If we respect others we can view porn and not treat women or men in a negative manner. We are simply satisfying our bodies needs for the chemicals that keep us going. I'm not advocating drugs or alcohol either. Our bodies are so intricate that the more in tune we become with it the more we can sense the wash of chemicals that are constantly flowing through our brains.

For goodness sake - If flooding our brains with our natural bodies chemicals because of actiosn we take is wrong in the light of certain peoples eyes then we certainly should not go on thrill rides, drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, engage sex with anyone even our marriage partner, or laugh at jokes. It's not a good arguement against porn. Get a better reason for not viewing it and I'll consider it.

kalisto_911 · 12-13-2004, 06:08 PM

excellent article! I also agree with raeanna, very well put.

basmoq · 12-13-2004, 07:28 PM

interesting, but ranting, article

OFKU0 · 12-13-2004, 08:16 PM

Yeah, good article. Good for her in picking out the only similar characteristic pornography and christianity jointly hold. Ones abilility to choose whatever form of stimuli they want, for whatever reason and not be judged for it because someone else doesn't approve of it..

martinguerre · 12-14-2004, 05:47 PM

poorly argued. i understand the anger directed at the pro-censorship factions...but her adoption of materialist science is unfounded. moreover, it's a cheap shot. i've had experience with both. One i think about for a little while. The other i think of quite often. I'll give you a hint. I'm not <i>that</i> obessed with pr0n.

thingstodo · 12-14-2004, 05:53 PM

Someone religious is always trying to push their views on other people.

Fate · 12-14-2004, 08:39 PM

Interesting article, I'm happy that atleast someone recognizes the roots of our being.

Halx · 12-14-2004, 09:02 PM

hilarious article, but I question the validity of the accusations.. I mean.. christians aren't THAT fucked in the head, are they? Honestly, I'd give them more credit than that until i see some proof of those claims.

Lockjaw · 12-14-2004, 09:20 PM

She was given a soft ball right up the middle...and she tapped a dribbler to the pitcher. I take it she's NOT a writer by profession?

raeanna74 · 12-15-2004, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halx

hilarious article, but I question the validity of the accusations.. I mean.. christians aren't THAT fucked in the head, are they? Honestly, I'd give them more credit than that until i see some proof of those claims.

Coming from a former anti-porn activist - YEAH, some of them ARE that fucked up. My Mom for example - says Cosmo magazine is soft porn and lectures me if she sees it in my home. She thinks Romance books foster infidelity in women... Need I go on?

Not all are that way but many conservative Christians are. Northern Baptist to be specific are frequently VERY anti-porn.

If you're interested here's a link to one of the most popular Christian programs. One of their main speakers is James Dobson. My mother and many in her church listen to him on the radio regularly. Some in her church actually view him as Liberal. So put that in perspective and there are those who have even more conservative views than he does of pornography.

Brooke · 12-15-2004, 06:30 AM

Quote:

What the fuck is it with these God-addicted Republicans? They're willing to deny all scientific reason, make laws based on stem cells having little souls, and force schools to put warning stickers on books about evolution – but suddenly, when it comes to porn, they're all about "brain chemistry" and "endogenous opoids." I mean, really: let's keep our ideology straight here, guys. If porn changes our brain chemistry, then that's obviously the way Jesus wanted it to be. End of story.

Wow, first thought is that it would kind of suck if I were addicted to God. This would mean that I did not have free choice in the matter.

Second thought, this is unfortunate that these Christian advocates first argument is for science, when they should be comfortable enoguh to simply state that they beleive pornography as an addictive substance and as one that least to an overabundance of lustful thoughts is not morally preferable.

This may come as a shock, but as a Christian I don't think it is a sin to view it. I think that it is something that is strictly adult in content, and something - like drugs - which is highly addictive. How can I say that when I can't quote you the stats on porno addiction? Well, I can in the same manner that an AA member can say - "alcohol is highly addictive" - been there, done that.

Also I think that they viewing of the acts of "sex" desensitizes many people to the amazing connection and wonderful spirituality to the act of making love. There is another side to sex that the porno industry is not intouch with. The connection - the tool for relationship building - the commitment expressed between two people. The undustry focuses on the attraction of the human body and the variety of ways it canr eact to stimulation. It speaks nothing of the Human soul.

You mention God addicted republicans. I wish that people would remember that polotics should ahve nothignt odo with spirituality. Sometimes liberals free connection of God and Republican bothers me as a conservative as much as the placement of the ten commandments bothered you as much as liberals. Youa re equally as guilty of using God as a weapon and key phrase to advance your political opinions, and the best/worst part is that you don't even realize it.

bbrown4 · 12-15-2004, 07:46 AM

I apologize, in advance, that this post is so long.

Let me start off by saying that these are guesses and guesses only. I don't buy porn, I don't work in porn, and outside of the occasional internet venture to a free-movie website, I have no idea about the industry. I do think that people who bring religion into the fight are skirting the issue and using God's name to fight their own political battles.

Idea number one: if there were a way for the government to tax porn heavily and regulate it so that the billions of dollars it generates would be more susceptible to the government tax code these anti-porn folks would not get half the attention they are getting. It is a "shady" business. I'm not trying to insult the industry or anyone in it here, but it involves a lot of independent contractor work, cash money, and off-the-books accounting and distribution methods. All of these nuances tend to attract government interest in terms of non-taxed revenues. Combine this with our predisposition to elect leaders who will protect our children as much as possbile and no one would ever get elected supporting anything to do with pornography. The religious implications are the easiest way for the anti-porn cursaders and government leadership to skirt this issue. Personally, I don't like the idea of my dollars going into an industry that is light years behind safety standards and yes, I'm sorry, is resonsible for some serious degradation to women. I don't however, think just because I am not willing to be a part of that economy, that others don't have the right to do so. Bottom line? Like everything else, eliminate the demand and the supply will fade away.

Idea number two is simple, it's a case of old money versus new money. The government, again this is only my opinion, has always had ties to old money elites.
They support elections, they support legislation and they mix within the same circles.
New money, which is what the porn industry would fall under, tends not to support the current political dynamic. The guy shooting the film, the stars in the film, the guy producing the film and the guy distributing the film doesn't operate within the same system and therefore is counter-productive to government, and "reputable," old-money business interests. Again, no one gets elected saying I support new money business interests - in order to get elected one must develop a relationship with the establishment, and that is old money.

I ask myself a lot about the morality of looking at porn and I vacillate back and forth with the question of faith, spirituality and the "sinfulness" of porn. Ultimately, what I come up with is that it is a poor replacement for passion. It is an empty action that is a substitute, and apoor one at that, for the passionless and those who have forgotten what the act of love is. In absence of love, pasison, tenderness and the tactile human contact that we all deserve to fill our hearts with elation and joy; porn is often the only medium by which those people without those great joys, feel wanted, alive, or passionate.

Instead of perhaps bemoaning porn for being a detriment on our society (even the most avid porn fan would have to admit that some of the fringe elements of porn are indeed very frightening and grotesque) we should teach our children that it is a scripted, empty act that serves only to temporarily fill a void where human emotion and tenderness are supposed to exist. If in fact we were to appreciate each other more as people and take the time to develop a relationship based on emotions in addition to tactile sensation - porn would eventually return to being what it was in the 70s and 80s - an entertaining and yes, fun novelty for stag parties and college dorm rooms.

MacGuyver · 12-17-2004, 12:20 AM

Some of you say that it was poorly argued, but come on... all this article is, is an opinion. Shes trying to put it out there plain and simple. I totally agree with every one of her opinions though. It was enjoyable to read, obviously not intended for the serious political scene, but as more of a rant in a newspaper. So who cares if it was poorly argued... shes just speakin' the mind.

flat5 · 12-17-2004, 04:05 AM

Some of you talk as if "love" is an option.
No women love me. I don't have relationships.
When I was younger, porn was usually it for me.
I never went to a pro, now it's too late.

Many higher animals "beat off". Porn is a catalist.

Stiltzkin · 12-18-2004, 12:43 AM

Why make porn illegal when you can make it more legal than it already is? Who doesn't watch porn? Let me tell you: no one. C'mon.

Lak · 12-18-2004, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stiltzkin

Who doesn't watch porn? Let me tell you: no one. C'mon.

I submit myself as a counterexample. Sorry

trickyy · 12-18-2004, 07:12 PM

so where does this leave other followers of narrow political ideologies (alternet, for one)? their knee-jerk reactions are often just as flawed.

either way, i have a hard time getting on the "christians and republicans have dumb ideas" bandwagon at the drop of a hat.

Scorps · 12-18-2004, 07:32 PM

Damn I want to meat her...a chick that likes Porn.....thats a first

well ok second.

Jonsgirl · 12-19-2004, 07:50 AM

Only your second? lol. I'm quite sure there's more than two of us out there

tropple · 12-19-2004, 08:05 AM

Terrorists abound. Our servicemen are dying in Iraq and Afghansitan with little return. There's no cure for cancer, yet those asshats are debating the evils of porn?

There definitely something fucked up in Washington. These great prats are being paid to make things right, yes? Why are they dicking around with something so unimportant rather than actaully working for our betterment?

Fire them all. If we must have clowns in Washington, may we at least hire some with better makeup and big red shoes?

Faygo · 12-19-2004, 10:08 PM

POrn changes our brain chemistry? Ha, good one.

Scorps · 12-21-2004, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonsgirl

Only your second? lol. I'm quite sure there's more than two of us out there

All the girls I have ever meet think its nasty.

Soggybagel · 12-21-2004, 10:26 PM

Hmm, I thought this was going to be some joke about having sex with boys...I'm a dirty person!

omega2K4 · 12-21-2004, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soggybagel

Hmm, I thought this was going to be some joke about having sex with boys...I'm a dirty person!

Ahahahahaha. I thought the same thing for some reason.

But as for girls that watch porn, my fiancee is one of them. We watch porn together all the time.

Scorps · 12-22-2004, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Soggybagel

Hmm, I thought this was going to be some joke about having sex with boys...I'm a dirty person!

LMFAO

Church · 12-22-2004, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pain Train

All the girls I have ever meet think its nasty.

I've noticed that too, but once I get to know the girls that say that a little better, they eventually admit that they do watch it. I think they just say that because according to society, they aren't supposed to like it.

Ooops, sorry to get off topic here!

12-13-2004, 05:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mondak Industrialist Location: Southern California	I liked it when she said "If porn changes our brain chemistry, then that's obviously the way Jesus wanted it to be. End of story." Pretty funny. Not a bad article all around and maybe of interest to some of us at the TFP. __________________ All truth passes through three stages: First it is ridiculed Second, it is violently opposed and Third, it is accepted as self-evident. ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER (1788-1860)

12-13-2004, 05:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
raeanna74 I'm not a blonde! I'm knot! I'm knot! I'm knot! Location: Upper Michigan	Uh - I don't think it was well argued. I'm coming from the perspective that I enjoy showing my body (as has been seen here at TFP, btw) and I enjoy looking at porn (also evidenced here). I also have the background of having previously worked for the local organization which works to erradicate porn. Porn can never be stopped. I don't think it is possible. We carry our bodies with us everywhere with only thin pieces of woven thread between our bodies and other's eyesite. Nudity is natural to us. If you follow the Bible you'll see that being nude is how we were created originally. Why wouldn't we want to return to that state. As for the brain chemicals. EVERYTHING, every livin thing we do has an effect on our brain chemicals. If we pet our cat, listen to a joke, laugh, see something painful or disturbing, see something pleasant and enjoyable. It all causes our bodies to respond in different ways. Adrenaline is always accompanied by other chemicals to balance it out. Sometimes in my case I don't get the adrenaline and end up with extremely low blood pressure and I can't ignore that my body has responded to a thought, phone call, or letter by releasing chemicals. Sometimes we don't notice the changes. But our bodies push us to pursue those actions which repeatedly release the chemicals that we crave. Personally I feel that it doesn't matter what kind of action it is so long as it's lawful and unharmful to ourselves or others. If we are respecting others it doesn't matter if religion is the pursuit that we crave because we won't push it on others and we will do what we can to follow our religion. If we respect others we can view porn and not treat women or men in a negative manner. We are simply satisfying our bodies needs for the chemicals that keep us going. I'm not advocating drugs or alcohol either. Our bodies are so intricate that the more in tune we become with it the more we can sense the wash of chemicals that are constantly flowing through our brains. For goodness sake - If flooding our brains with our natural bodies chemicals because of actiosn we take is wrong in the light of certain peoples eyes then we certainly should not go on thrill rides, drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, engage sex with anyone even our marriage partner, or laugh at jokes. It's not a good arguement against porn. Get a better reason for not viewing it and I'll consider it. __________________ "Always learn the rules so that you can break them properly." Dalai Lama My Karma just ran over your Dogma.

12-13-2004, 06:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
kalisto_911 Psycho Location: Dreams	excellent article! I also agree with raeanna, very well put. __________________ I know not how I may seem to others, but to myself I am but a small child wandering upon the vast shores of knowledge, every now and then finding a small bright pebble to content myself with. [Plato]

12-13-2004, 07:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
basmoq It's a girly girl! Location: OH, USA	interesting, but ranting, article __________________ "There's someone out there for everyone - even if you need a pickaxe, a compass, and night goggles to find them."

12-13-2004, 08:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
OFKU0 Junk	Yeah, good article. Good for her in picking out the only similar characteristic pornography and christianity jointly hold. Ones abilility to choose whatever form of stimuli they want, for whatever reason and not be judged for it because someone else doesn't approve of it.. __________________ " In Canada, you can tell the most blatant lie in a calm voice, and people will believe you over someone who's a little passionate about the truth." David Warren, Western Standard.

12-13-2004, 05:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
Coppertop Getting Medieval on your ass Location: 13th century Europe	Don't see anything wrong with porn. Some people just cannot live without trying to control other people's lives. So very sad. Don't they have enough in their own lives to be concerned about? Kudos to the article's author.

12-14-2004, 05:47 PM	#8 (permalink)
martinguerre whosoever Location: New England	poorly argued. i understand the anger directed at the pro-censorship factions...but her adoption of materialist science is unfounded. moreover, it's a cheap shot. i've had experience with both. One i think about for a little while. The other i think of quite often. I'll give you a hint. I'm not <i>that</i> obessed with pr0n. __________________ For God so loved creation, that God sent God's only Son that whosoever believed should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

12-14-2004, 05:53 PM	#9 (permalink)
thingstodo A Storm Is Coming Location: The Great White North	Someone religious is always trying to push their views on other people. __________________ If you're wringing your hands you can't roll up your shirt sleeves. Stangers have the best candy.

12-14-2004, 08:39 PM	#10 (permalink)
Fate Crazy Location: Montreal	Interesting article, I'm happy that atleast someone recognizes the roots of our being. __________________ vB code is On Smilies are On [IMG] code is Off HTML code is Off

12-14-2004, 09:02 PM	#11 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	hilarious article, but I question the validity of the accusations.. I mean.. christians aren't THAT fucked in the head, are they? Honestly, I'd give them more credit than that until i see some proof of those claims. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

12-14-2004, 09:20 PM	#12 (permalink)
Lockjaw Junkie	She was given a soft ball right up the middle...and she tapped a dribbler to the pitcher. I take it she's NOT a writer by profession?

12-15-2004, 07:46 AM	#15 (permalink)
bbrown4 Upright	I apologize, in advance, that this post is so long. Let me start off by saying that these are guesses and guesses only. I don't buy porn, I don't work in porn, and outside of the occasional internet venture to a free-movie website, I have no idea about the industry. I do think that people who bring religion into the fight are skirting the issue and using God's name to fight their own political battles. Idea number one: if there were a way for the government to tax porn heavily and regulate it so that the billions of dollars it generates would be more susceptible to the government tax code these anti-porn folks would not get half the attention they are getting. It is a "shady" business. I'm not trying to insult the industry or anyone in it here, but it involves a lot of independent contractor work, cash money, and off-the-books accounting and distribution methods. All of these nuances tend to attract government interest in terms of non-taxed revenues. Combine this with our predisposition to elect leaders who will protect our children as much as possbile and no one would ever get elected supporting anything to do with pornography. The religious implications are the easiest way for the anti-porn cursaders and government leadership to skirt this issue. Personally, I don't like the idea of my dollars going into an industry that is light years behind safety standards and yes, I'm sorry, is resonsible for some serious degradation to women. I don't however, think just because I am not willing to be a part of that economy, that others don't have the right to do so. Bottom line? Like everything else, eliminate the demand and the supply will fade away. Idea number two is simple, it's a case of old money versus new money. The government, again this is only my opinion, has always had ties to old money elites. They support elections, they support legislation and they mix within the same circles. New money, which is what the porn industry would fall under, tends not to support the current political dynamic. The guy shooting the film, the stars in the film, the guy producing the film and the guy distributing the film doesn't operate within the same system and therefore is counter-productive to government, and "reputable," old-money business interests. Again, no one gets elected saying I support new money business interests - in order to get elected one must develop a relationship with the establishment, and that is old money. I ask myself a lot about the morality of looking at porn and I vacillate back and forth with the question of faith, spirituality and the "sinfulness" of porn. Ultimately, what I come up with is that it is a poor replacement for passion. It is an empty action that is a substitute, and apoor one at that, for the passionless and those who have forgotten what the act of love is. In absence of love, pasison, tenderness and the tactile human contact that we all deserve to fill our hearts with elation and joy; porn is often the only medium by which those people without those great joys, feel wanted, alive, or passionate. Instead of perhaps bemoaning porn for being a detriment on our society (even the most avid porn fan would have to admit that some of the fringe elements of porn are indeed very frightening and grotesque) we should teach our children that it is a scripted, empty act that serves only to temporarily fill a void where human emotion and tenderness are supposed to exist. If in fact we were to appreciate each other more as people and take the time to develop a relationship based on emotions in addition to tactile sensation - porn would eventually return to being what it was in the 70s and 80s - an entertaining and yes, fun novelty for stag parties and college dorm rooms.

12-17-2004, 12:20 AM	#16 (permalink)
MacGuyver You're going to have to trust me! Location: Massachusetts	Some of you say that it was poorly argued, but come on... all this article is, is an opinion. Shes trying to put it out there plain and simple. I totally agree with every one of her opinions though. It was enjoyable to read, obviously not intended for the serious political scene, but as more of a rant in a newspaper. So who cares if it was poorly argued... shes just speakin' the mind. __________________ We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. ---Aristotle Deeds, not words, shall speak [for] me. ---John Fletcher

12-17-2004, 04:05 AM	#17 (permalink)
flat5 Very Insignificant Pawn Location: Amsterdam, NL	Some of you talk as if "love" is an option. No women love me. I don't have relationships. When I was younger, porn was usually it for me. I never went to a pro, now it's too late. Many higher animals "beat off". Porn is a catalist.

12-18-2004, 12:43 AM	#18 (permalink)
Stiltzkin Junkie	Why make porn illegal when you can make it more legal than it already is? Who doesn't watch porn? Let me tell you: no one. C'mon. __________________ The most important thing in this world is love.

12-18-2004, 07:12 PM	#20 (permalink)
trickyy ►	so where does this leave other followers of narrow political ideologies (alternet, for one)? their knee-jerk reactions are often just as flawed. either way, i have a hard time getting on the "christians and republicans have dumb ideas" bandwagon at the drop of a hat.

12-18-2004, 07:32 PM	#21 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	Damn I want to meat her...a chick that likes Porn.....thats a first well ok second. __________________ A.K.A. PainTrain

12-19-2004, 07:50 AM	#22 (permalink)
Jonsgirl Semi-Atomic Location: Home.	Only your second? lol. I'm quite sure there's more than two of us out there __________________ Someday, someone will best me. But it won't be today, and it won't be you.

12-19-2004, 08:05 AM	#23 (permalink)
tropple Junkie	Terrorists abound. Our servicemen are dying in Iraq and Afghansitan with little return. There's no cure for cancer, yet those asshats are debating the evils of porn? There definitely something fucked up in Washington. These great prats are being paid to make things right, yes? Why are they dicking around with something so unimportant rather than actaully working for our betterment? Fire them all. If we must have clowns in Washington, may we at least hire some with better makeup and big red shoes? __________________ +++++++++++Boom!

12-19-2004, 10:08 PM	#24 (permalink)
Faygo Banned	POrn changes our brain chemistry? Ha, good one.

12-21-2004, 10:26 PM	#26 (permalink)
Soggybagel Psycho Location: Lovely City #1	Hmm, I thought this was going to be some joke about having sex with boys...I'm a dirty person!