I wonder how many of those posts in that thread were made by social conservatives who, after listening to talk-radio cover Anna Smith just about all week, could not help but chime in regarding how detrimental this has all been to the values of our culture. Many probably had Fox News on in the background -- with Smith coverage --while writing their posts. I find it comical when people feign outrage while getting so caught up in all the minutiae of that which they're feeling so-called "outraged" over.
how detrimental this has all been to the values of our culture
It reinforces traditional values. One reason why it captures the imagination of so many. The lesson learned is that if you take drugs, live a careless life etc. etc. then you'll come to a bad end.