Santorum Says He Would Enforce US Obscenity Laws That Obama Ignores

MSNBC ^ | March 16, 2012 | Andrew Rafferty and Alex Moe

[Steelfish]

Santorum Says He Would Enforce US Obscenity Laws That Obama Ignores By NBC's Andrew Rafferty

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL -- Rick Santorum accused President Barack Obama of not enforcing the country's obscenity laws and said Friday that as chief executive he would crack down on illegal pornography.

Santorum found himself answering pornography questions during a stop at an Italian restaurant here after the discovery of a statement posted in his campaign website in which he asserts that "America is suffering a pandemic of harm from pornography." Recent reporting has shed light on the letter in which the former Pennsylvania senator vowed to "vigorously enforce" all the country's obscenity laws, though he said the statement was posted three weeks ago.

"We actually respond to questions that we get into our campaign when they say 'What are you going to do about these issues?' And when we respond we post them up on our website. And the response is, ‘we'll enforce the law,’" said Santorum.

"I don’t know what the hubbub about that is," he said. "We have a president who is not enforcing the law, and we will."

The candidate best known for espousing family values argues on his website that pornography causes changes in the brain to both children and adults, and contributes to violence against women, prostitution and sex trafficking. "The Obama administration has turned a blind eye to those who wish to preserve our culture from the scourge of pornography," he wrote.

[a fool in paradise]

I’d prefer he focus his efforts dismantling the sex positive indoctrination provided by Obama’s homosexual “safe schools czar” who pushed a book detailing first-time experiences between young boys and adult males “who led to their sexual awakening”.

There IS crap for him to clean up that the GOVERNMENT is pushing.

But the parameters of the discussion have already been established by the media.

When the media pushes a meme, push back.

[a fool in paradise]

Barack Obama ALREADY has his religious police. What the hell do you think FORCING BY PENALTY OF LAW Catholic employers to provide 100% subsidized (no copay) birth control is?

[Magnum44]

A few thoughts:

1) Govt should enforce laws equally.
2) There are way too may laws.

[Girlene]

Agreed. I still question why pass a federal law if we’re not going to enforce it.

Santorum is correct in that this is an issue that hurts this country. It starts out as a personal issue, but eventually becomes an economic one, as families are torn apart.

Again, I say, it will be up to Santorum on how effectively he deals with this issue as a presidential candidate. He has to get elected first. But how different it is that people are actually discussing the moral fiber (or the decline of it) of this country and its effect on the family, economics, etc. It’s simply amazing what is considered unpolitic in current elections.

[KevinDavis]

Kinda like in the middle east..

[2111USMC]

I agree.

This is also another example of one of our guys allowing the media to define their campaign.

[Leep]

Candidate Leep’s answer:
These are important issues, and like I said, I intend to see the law is enforced. Although, in doing so we don’t want to get distracted from job number #1. Fixing the economy.
Afterall, We can not sufficiently take care of any other issues if we have a dysfunctional economy.

[a fool in paradise]

Why? He merely stated that he would enforce the law when asked that question. Do you think he would have been better off if he just said I don't give a shit about that issue? They lay land mines out there that have to be addressed because they are looking for trip wires.

Bingo. And except more trip wires at the DNC rigged general election debates.

Recall in 2008 that Barack Obama refused to appear at a Democrats only debate because it was hosted by Fox News (who despite the hype of being right-leaning endorsed Kerry in 2004, or at least NewsCorps executives did).

Since the debate moderators aren't going to raise the issues that will get egg on Obama's face, the candidate is going to have to bring up more names like "Joe The Plumber" when they arise this time around. Not Joe, per say, but asking Barry just how his "spread the wealth around is DIFFERENT than Karl Marx's "from each according to his ability to each according to his need"? If Obama's policies are not Socialist, what would he do differently if that WAS the goal? What separates them from being Socialist? Europe seems to agree they are.

[a fool in paradise]

A fair and impartial media would pose the SAME question to President Obama at his next appearance since he’s already got the power of the office to do something and the media considers this an important issue to discuss in this election.

[a fool in paradise]

EXPECT (not except).

[gogogodzilla]

Some have called for laws where any act that depicts adults as underage would be kiddie porn, too.

So, looking at women with lollipops would get you jailtime.

And it’s amazing how many Freepers don’t realize how far this all goes.

[a fool in paradise]

The federal government sure went after online gambling and music downloads so if they WANTED to pursue restricting access to pornography, it would be within the scope of things President Obama has already done.

[a fool in paradise]

The Onion does not even permit excerpting on FR. They are liberal jerks. Please don’t give them the blog hits.

[Raider Sam]

I think there is some common ground. It is an issue that people care about and it is worth discussing. And I dont have a problem with a President saying he thinks “x” activity is harmful. It just seems to be a fine line from saying x is harmful to Congress banning x.

[Joe 6-pack]

Communists are entirely clear on how critical it is to debase and undermine traditional morality in order to implement their economic and governing philosophies.

Sadly, it appears fewer and fewer conservatives understand the nexus between the two.

[a fool in paradise]

The Obese Police are in Obama’s White House and the media plays it up like it isn’t a restricting of rights but somehow enforcing EXISTING porn laws is.

[jacknhoo]

"Really? Everybody who has ever read Playboy routinely goes out and rapes women in the night, after torturing them? "

Pornography and Rape.

Chapter 18 of the Attorney General Pornography Commission's study noted that the eight major men's magazines (Playboy, Penthouse, Hustler, Chic, Club, Gallery, Genesis, and Oui) have a circulation rate five times higher in Alaska and Nevada than in North Dakota.[12] It is very significant that the rape rates in Alaska and Nevada are eight times higher than in North Dakota!

Conclusions. Other researchers have confirmed that 64 percent of all homosexual child molesters and 86 percent of all rapists used pornography at or immediately before the time of their crimes.



FBI Findings.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation found that eighty percent (29 of 36) of recent mass murderers used pornography extensively and used it as an integral part of their murderous sexual activity, which often included serial rape-murders.[4] Some of these killers photographed their dead victims and pasted cutouts of their faces on hard- and soft-core pornographic pictures as preparation for their next 'kill.' The FBI and police nationwide have reported finding extensive pornography collections in the homes of virtually every mass-murderer and child molester that they arrest.



More than 65 studies have shown that dangerous offenders (child molesters, killers, rapists, incest fathers) are not only more likely to commit their crimes if they employ pornography, they are likely to precede their violent acts with the extended use of deviant materials.[4] Male sex offenders soon begin to display addictive and compulsive behavior when using porn. Their mechanisms for relieving stress soon all become related to deviant sex. They offend more and more often.

About two million pedophiles, rapists, child molesters, sadists, and those who solicit teenaged or child prostitutes commit more than two million crimes annually. This number accounts only for those incidents that are reported the total number is obviously much higher.

Examples. Those naive individuals who cling to the quaint and outmoded belief that pornography is 'victimless' should wake up and look at the facts. Thousands of persons have been tortured, raped, and murdered by warped human beings as a direct result of pornography. There are thousands of such cases cramming police files all over the nation.



http://www.ewtn.com/library/PROLENC/ENCYC134.HTM

[rurgan]

Obama is in the process of regulating the Internet with ACTA. Google it as the media hides this.

This is MSNBC . I believe a pathological liar over MSNBC or any of the mainstream media.

The media is making this story . It is not a story.

[gusty]

I thought they supported Ron Paul.

[Joe 6-pack]

"Energy, Jobs, Defense, Fed, Obamacare, are all far higher priorities than porn."

If you were intellectually honest, you'd recognize that Rick's issue statement on porn is at the bottom of his issues page, after:

First 100 Days Economic Freedom Agenda

No More Leading from Behind for America

We Hold These Truths

Unleashing America's Domestic Energy

Bold Solutions for America’s Families

Immigration Reform: Securing And Strengthing America

ObamaRegs Versus Freedom

Santorum Record on Defending the Dignity of Every Human Life

Appointing Constitutionalist Justices and Judges Who Refuse to Legislate from the Bench

Restoring America's Greatness Through Educational Freedom And Opportunity

Defending 2nd Amendment Rights

Repeal and Replace ObamaCare with Patient-Centered Healthcare

Spending Cuts and Entitlements Reform

Made In America

Response To Iran

Executive Branch Actions

Champion of Faith & Families

Defender of the Taxpayer

Believer in American Exceptionalism

10 Steps to Promote Our Interests Around the World

However, since you seem to already dislike Santorum and are a good little media consumer, you'll lap from the saucer the MSM has put in front of you because it tastes good and it's what they want you to do.

The MSM picked the issue that is at the very bottom of Rick's issue page and tries to present it as though it was the centerpiece of his campaign. You're being played by the media.

[going hot]

what is Rick thinking???!!!

Not much, it seems, mostly emoting.

[PghBaldy]

What about people who are against Santorum TALKING about it? Precious time is being used to discuss this, now? With Obamacare and the economy, this is what he focuses on?

[wastedyears]

I’d put it at an even smaller decimal point. With better parenting, it’s a non-issue.

Now can we try to lower the budget?

[sillsfan]

This is also another example of one of our guys allowing the media to define their campaign.

BINGO. The And this is how, with Santorum as the nominee, it will be a disaster.

THE BIG PICTURE: This isn't about porn or morality or even government overreaching. This is about how Santorum hasn't learned anything from the campaign trail, and either is truly dumb or clearly isn't politically savvy enough to avoid the media gotcha traps along the way. he continually gets sidetracked on these other issues.

If one thinks that the media is being unfair to Santorum now and taking his words out of context, what do people think the media will do to him in the general? Santorum is NOT the candidate we need. We need a candidate that can focus like a laser on the critical issues in this country and offer solutions and make that message resonate with people. Has no one studied the Reagan playbook on how to win?

[Antoninus]

Pornography is an issue to be concerned about. However, it does NOT belong in a presidential campaign.

Well then you can blame the media for bringing it up. Santorum's position statement on the issue is nothing earth-shattering.

[I Shall Endure]

It’s a marketing thing, to pull in the teen-age demographic. Seriously.

[a fool in paradise]

I agree that the media is kneecapping Santorum. The BIG reason why is the Lavender Mafia in the newsrooms HATE him MORE than they hated Sarah Palin. They’ve been after Rick Santorum since he made that statement about a “slippery slope” in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Lawrence v. Texas decision.

Gay journalists who despise “don’t ask don’t tell” should not be closeted. The public DESERVES to know why these issues are so important to them and thus the viewing public.

[Antoninus]

That is Santorum’s problem, he thinks Government has the answer for everything. What's next, will he suggest burning books, more government intrusion into the private lives of FREE Americans.

These threads have convinced me that the collective IQ of Free Republic has dropped about 30 points since I first started posting here in 1998. Back then, it was obvious that obscenity is harmful to society, could and should be policed and restricted and IS NOT protected under the First Amendment. Now, we have all of you absolute slack-jawed morons arguing that Rick Santorum is somehow the equivalent of the Taliban for suggesting that the obscenity laws that are already on the books should actually be enforced.

And worse....

Gingrich and Romney have exactly the same position as Santorum on this issue.

You're all being played by the media and you're either on-board with the narrative or are too stupid to realize it.

[Raider Sam]

When they start making laws, Ill be against it too.

[sillsfan]

Well then you can blame the media for bringing it up.

The media brought up something posted on Santorum's campaign website. I am no fan of the media, but you can't continuously serve them up low hanging fastballs and not expect the media to hit them outa the park.

That's what the media does.

By continuously taking the bait, Santorum does it to himself.

[Antoninus]

1) Watching pornography triggers a very powerful brain response.

2) This brain response causes specific types of behavior patterns.

3) These behaviors have both long and short term effects on the lives of individuals, including all the suffering, sorrow and strife associated with premarital sex, single motherhood, divorce, pedophilia and the general breakup of families.

Change your 0.0005 to a 10. And realize that pornography is a weapon of the cultural and political marxists in their war against America.

Worth repeating. Talking to porn hounds has convinced me more than anything that porn can be a serious addiction. Talking about any restrictions of their porn is like talking to a crack addict about taking away their fix.

[Raider Sam]

So a Catholic website with an agenda misuses statistics and creates cause out of correlation, thus we must do something? Im sure 80% of mass murderers smoked too, does that mean we should ban smoking?

This is one of the worst misuses of statistics I have read.

[Antoninus]

24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press.

Amazing, isn't it, how many absolute fools there are, even on a supposedly conservative website like Free Republic.

Our toxic culture has ensnared even those who ought to know better.

[rwfromkansas]

This is going to get votes....NOT.

Good grief. This man really doesn’t have a clue about some things. I agree with him a lot and am a social conservative, but let’s focus on other things that win votes.

“I’m going to block your porn” is not a winning message!

[reasonisfaith]

“internet porn is not a pressing national problem”

Why would the marxists give up on their plan to use pornography to defeat our nation?

Answer: they wouldn’t and they haven’t. Yes, pornography is a weapon used just as destructive as any artillery.

You need to think about this, learn it, and stop letting the marxists use you.

[Raider Sam]

Probably has something to do with the fact that all three front runners are pretty much the same, with different packaging. They all want to save the country through the power of the government. I really dont see any of their presidencies differing much from each other.

[HKMk23]

Porn feeds human trafficking and sex slavery around the world.

That rises to the level of compelling public interest; i.e. government involvement.

Starve the beast.

[ohioWfan]

It's been more than obvious that pornography is not, nor will it be 'front and center' in a Santorum campaign, and what the MSM will do to any of our candidates is not really the issue. If it's Gingrich, they'll make some other minor issue 'front and center' to try to protect and promote Obama and deride our candidate.

The debt, the economy, Obamacare, have all been talked about at great length and in great detail by Santorum, and will continue to be addressed 'front and center.'

The fact that the Obama administration is lawless is a major problem, and Santorum's bringing up that the laws against pornography (among many others) have been ignored, is a major concern......or at least should be......for all Americans.

Don't be afraid of the moral issues in a campaign. They are winners because the majority of Americans don't have a problem with addressing them.

[Antoninus]

The media brought up something posted on Santorum's campaign website.

Did you actually read the statement? There's nothing even remotely controversial about it unless you're a porn addict.

Santorum took no bait. The homo-sex-positive freaks in the media are trying to make this into an issue and libertarian morons are only too happy to oblige.

You can either have good men like Santorum as your leaders or scum like those who run the media. It's your choice.

[Raider Sam]

Yeah, and oil fuels terrorism, so lets just ban that too.

We already have laws against trafficking and slavery, and we cant police the world (well, some big military conservatives and big environment liberals think we can).

Starve the beast indeed, remove power from the federal government.

[Joe 6-pack]

Indeed. That "conservatives" and "liberterians" in 2012 would fall in line, lockstep with the expressed goals of communists from 1963 does not bode well for our republic.

[Antoninus]

“I’m going to block your porn” is not a winning message!

Of course, that's not his message. That is how his message is being filtered through the hostile pervert media. Santorum's message is that the American family is under attack from a toxic un-American culture and as president, he will fight that culture.

Personally, I'm GLAD the media scum chose to bring up this issue. Regardless of the volume of the pro-porn morons on Free Republic, the vast majority of the public is sick and tired of the ubiquitous porn culture and will not look askance at a politician who is willing to stand up to it.

[PSYCHO-FREEP]

You contradict yourself.

You say that Santorum is not really making an issue of this, and that “most” Americans agree with him on this.

But in reality, the moral decay in this country, is the direct result of those same people who you claim agree with Santorum.

Morality begins in the home, at the family level, and is taught through example. The American family is no longer what it was 3 decades ago. What you see on the Internet these days, as well as what the younger generations are doing to promote this kind of thing, is a direct reflection that morality is no longer a priority or is being taught or enforced at the family level.

It is way too late to legislate it now and legislation has never worked anyway. (Remember Prohibition?)

[rwfromkansas]

I am aware that’s not his message. His message is simply to enforce existing laws. But, that’s not the way the public will see it. When he gets questions like that, he needs to just ignore them.

I don’t support the porn culture. I think it’s vile. But, he stepped in something that will likely now be a national embarrassment for him. He shouldn’t have even answered the question.

[Right_in_Virginia]

The media brought up something posted on Santorum's campaign website. I am no fan of the media, but you can't continuously serve them up low hanging fastballs and not expect the media to hit them outa the park. That's what the media does.

By continuously taking the bait, Santorum does it to himself.

Well said. But I fear the damage has been done. Santorum's given the Obama campaign too many soundbites.

[wastedyears]

Since it looks like he wants to go on his own religious crusade, changing America to suit how he wants things, would he also go after metal music? You know, considering how demonized it’s been and all...

[caww]

It’s simply amazing what is considered unpolitic in current elections.

There's not a single member of Fr who is saying morality isn't important.....it's a matter of the very fact the country is going into free fall and is in dangerous perils financially, being taken over by commie ntcases and their agenda ...which IS the priority

Obama is setting up for religious and morality wars because he doesn't have a leg to stand on otherwise....and Santorum's taking the bait all to well...and why the Democrats love that Santorum's at the top of the heat.

Go to most Democratic sights and see what they are saying about Santorum.....they are delighted he's galvanizing their otherwise couch potatoes into action.

People have been discussing the moral fiber of this country for years...it's not like it's something new. But that is what Santorum is known for. Little other can he maneuver where he isn't sounding like he "borrowed" from others....and does on a consistent.

[ohioWfan]

Indeed. That "conservatives" and "liberterians" in 2012 would fall in line, lockstep with the expressed goals of communists from 1963 does not bode well for our republic.

The Communist goal was to brainwash the masses and destroy America's strength........it's morality (and it actually goes back to Stalin in the 1930's).

They obviously succeeded, as even among some who consider themselves 'conservative' believe that morality doesn't matter, and that liberty equals license. (What is this 'consenting adult' stuff when you're dealing with teenaged girls who have been trafficked and are now in porn films??)

I can't believe how far downhill we have gone since I joined up here 11 years ago. The defense of pornography here is absolutely frightening.

[ohioWfan]

There's not a single member of Fr who is saying morality isn't important

There are actually a number of them saying exactly that, caww. It's disturbing.

[sillsfan]

I read his statement, and I read the story.

One more time, my point is not about pornography. My point is Santorum continues to let the media frame the debate, and then Santorum supporters become unhinged and blame everyone else except their candidate for the flawed message. If Santorum, or his handlers, are not savvy enough at this point to recognize the media's game, he's got major problems ahead.

And stop with the overly inflammatory accusations of others here just because we bring up other relevant arguments that are affecting Santorum's overall message. You know what people here are trying to say. Stop playing games. it trivializes your point.