Letter: Library fuss not about Constitution

Sunday, Jan. 30, 2000 | 10:42 a.m.

The argument seems to be that everything in the library, even Playboy, is there by approval of the library board. The policy is in keeping with the call of the American Public Library Association to keep all library materials freely circulated to foster the freedom of ideas.

I would argue that if it is a "First Amendment issue" and X-rated materials read by minors "foster the freedom of ideas," then why can't a minor go to a 7-Eleven or Circle K and browse through a Playboy the way he can a Popular Mechanics or a Newsweek magazine?

It being a "First Amendment issue," then why can't a high school sophomore or junior go to Deja Vu, or one of the other strip clubs that do not sell liquor, and see in person what the pictures of Playboy portray?

The sadness of the issue is that parents more and more are losing say in the raising of their children. The interesting part is that in the private sector restrictions to minors apply; in the government-controlled sector they do not.

Is there anything wrong with this picture?

FATHER DAVE CASALEGGIO

Pastor, Our Lady of Las Vegas

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