When it comes to porn, the only reason the age of consent for starring in porn is 18 is because it is fairly easy to tell the difference between an 18 year old and a 15 year old. If the age of consent was dropped to 16, it would be really difficult to tell whether a girl perfoming in a video was 16 or 14.
The point is, porn age of consent laws are generally different from consent laws dealing with sex. It is perfectly legal in most states for a couple of 16 year olds to have sex, though it is illegal for them to film the act. The two types of age of consent are different issues.
You obviously believe that pornography is not obsene and does not effect people in adverse ways and therefore should be legal and beyond the scrutiny of those who rule to achieve the common good.
I believe that porn involving consenting adults is not obscene. However, I agree with you that porn can have adverse effects on people, but that's not really relevant, in my mind. It's not government's job to protect adults from their own bad decisions.
You want no controls on porn
Not at all. I have no problems with prosecuting child pornographers, people who sell or distribute porn to children or spammers who send pornographic e-mail to children or nonconsenting adults. The only legal porn, in my view, is porn involving consenting adults that is watched by consenting adults.
I want more..
My question to you is: As a conservative, how can you justify being in favor of the government intruding into the private behavior of consenting adults?
When private behavior adversely effects the common good I see it no different than any other criminal behavior. Basic sociology.
PS. I should have said...it appears you want no controls on adult porn. :^)
My point with age of consent has nothing to do with the difference as you expounded upon (which has its validity). My only point is that this age is being pushed to lower and lower standards. The idea that adult porn is ok and should not be regulated is part, not all, but part of the reason this age of consent is being pushed lower and lower. It is my opinion, and only opinion based on observation, that as long as society lets it go unchecked, this age will lower and other restrictions will be tolerated for the sake of personal liberties. I see this as detrimental to society.