Re: ACLU

John E. Rylander (rylander@sparc.isl.net)
Tue, 21 May 1996 22:40:42 -0500

Just one clarification. The CDA does not prohibit electronic forms of =
speech that is permitted in print. Rather, it prohibits giving minors =
access (without parental consent, I believe) to indecent or obscene =
speech in electronic form.

This is an important distinction often missed -- often intentionally, I =
think -- by activists. The level of discussion of this issue is =
characteristic of the level of most discussion on the net: fascists and =
narrow-minded zealots are out to destroy the freedoms our founding =
fathers fought for, etc. etc. Burgy, I know you don't discuss it this =
way; but we all know many do. =20

And the ACLU often does. They're nothing if not extremely sharp; hence =
their misleading (presumably intentionally -- it's for the cause!) =
portrayals do much to discredit them intellectually in my book.

This is not very directly topical, so I'll try to avoid posting anything =
more.

----------
From: John W. Burgeson[SMTP:73531.1501@compuserve.com]
Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 1996 5:17 PM
To: Evolution Reflector
Subject: ACLU

To Jim (Bell) & Chuck:

Concerning your last comments/inquiry on the ACLU's goals & objectives, =
these
can now be researched at their new web site:

http://www.aclu.org/

There is a "Constitution Hall" forum (keyword ACLU) on America Online.

A catalog (free) of ACLU literature may be ordered by calling (also =
free)
1-800-775-ACLU.

Apparently the ACLU's current efforts are being devoted to a challenge =
of
the "Communications Decency Act." This act criminalizes electronic =
speech which
would be legal in printed form. The case is referred to as "ACLU v Reno" =
and is
joined in by 19 other plaintiffs.

I suggest that their web page is a much better place to find out what =
their
goals are than an unattributed quotation in an LA newspaper.

Burgy (ACLU member)