THE OBSCENITY DEBATE
The Rev. Larry Poland may well want to have only “Christian” programming aired in Los Angeles, but he could also face lawsuits from those who believe he is violating their religious freedom as well as freedom of speech when he complains of “obscene” radio (“How ‘Jerker’ Helped Ignite Obscenity Debate,” by Dennis McDougal, Aug. 18).
While Poland may concentrate now only on what he calls “obscene” programming, later he may demand that excerpts from the Talmud not be read on the air because they do not reflect Christian doctrine. This may be extreme but it is possible.
In short, no matter how much Poland objects to God making anatomical differences between men and women and for giving humanity its sexual nature, Poland may no more have graphic sexual matter banned from the air then he can have Jewish literature banned.
In short, he is not the Inquisitor General of Faith and Morals for Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, Taoists, Shintoists, Muslims, agnostics and atheists.
LYBRAND P. SMITH
Torrance
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