eastforker- you are just trying to change the subject.
Publius, you are just attempting the same answer Phantom Lord started with, but had to change once he realized that obscene 'visual arts' have always been around in one form or another. He had to change his answer once Bella_Bru brought up the Pompiee frescos. It seems that porn has always been an open part of any culture that will openly allow it. The question of this thread is "should we?".
freeee, FF578 gave an excellent refutation to your 'got any examples' challenge on his post #49. The founding fathers, or at least their immediate successors, did have laws against porn, as would we if we were more noble men.
The only other point to deal with is Phantom's "do you want to reestablish the prohibition' retort. I want local governemtns to have real authority. We have 'dry counties' right now. If you don't want to live in such a county you don't have to. I'd vote to make my county porn free to. You and your buddies can have your porn haven two counties down the line. Let's see who winds up with the healtheir society.
Ahban
And how far would take your banning of porn? Would couples not be able to photograph or video each other? You going to pay neighbors to make sure they listen? Can they trade with pics with other couples, or you going to have undercover cops on that too?
I am not certain what the laws were in the 1910's and 20's, but if you go to Barnes and Noble, in the photography section, you can find a book that is all about porn from this era. Seems whether or not society deems it legal, it will exist.
I've always been curious about how someone like you feels about erotica (dirty stories). Would that also be banned? How would you be able to ban words like, dick (name), (chicken) breast, pussy (cat), ass (donkey), nipple (baby bottle), lick, rub, feel, insert, etc.? Seems kinda impossible to me.
Even if you found a way, wouldn't that eliminate a lot of classic literature? Would there have to be a pretty major book burning party?
Would you also make it illegal for one to bring porn into the county? Meaning residents couldnt buy it in another county and bring it home.
I am all for states rights and counties being able to set their own rules. I live in NC. We have many many dry counties. And no, I do not live in one and i never would. Well, maybe just over the line so It would be a quick jump to buy some hooch.
My main disagreement currently is that they want to fine them out of existence. How about passing a law making the operation of porn shops illegal in the county and then properly compensating the business owners for the shutting down of their business.