CURB THE DEMAND

The guilty verdict delivered last Thursday afternoon in Don Smith's
second trial on obscenity charges, along with the drug raid Friday
that led to five local residents being nabbed, certainly created the
most buzz around town over the past week.

In the Smith trial, the jury, having viewed the evidence, concluded
the material was "obscene," although it can be argued what he
produced and distributed is no worse than other stuff that's rampant
on the Internet these days, let alone what's often seen on the big
screen, in video games, and even music videos.

Others wonder why so much effort and resources has gone into
prosecuting Mr. Smith while the use of illegal drugs, arguably a far
worse scourge in the community, continues to flourish here-a timely
observation given the drug bust at a Second Street East residence the
very next day.

The Smith case hinges on the debate between "freedom of expression"
and what constitutes going too far in terms of community standards,
which, of course, are evolving constantly. Obviously, what was taboo
20, 30, or 50 years ago might not be so today-and the line continues
to blur with each passing year.

There are laws in place against material that is obscene or
defamatory, or incites hatred or violence. That's what the police and
courts are for. But, in fact, it is individuals who wield the most
power simply by keeping their wallets closed. Making money, after
all, is what drives these websites, graphic movies and video games,
and offensive song lyrics.

Don't buy the product and the product dries up-just like any consumer good.

The same is true with illegal drugs. Drug trafficking flourishes, not
because there's not enough police or judges are too lenient, but
because the demand for the product is there.

Yes, more is needed to curtail the supply-from more enforcement on
the streets to tougher sentences in court. And certainly more
facilities and programs are needed to help those addicted to illegal
drugs, especially among our youth.

Equally-if not more-important, though, is that we, as a society, have
to stop being customers.