‘Meager Value,’ Indeed

I am writing in regard to the article by Mike Boehm in today’s Calendar, Orange County edition (“Nigerian Musician Sees Music as a Tool,” July 27). He uses Voltaire as a cover for his own views condoning the right to allow the youth of our nation to be exposed to the worst kind of smut proliferated by the likes of Luther Campbell’s 2 Live Crew. A quote from the fourth paragraph, “He (Voltaire) would nevertheless defend the rappers’ right not to be prosecuted for what they have to say, however meager its value.” Degradation of women and perversion of sex have negative value--much less “meager value”!

I happened to be watching C-Span on July 25 when Rep. Robert K. Dornan (R-Garden Grove) addressed the House on the exceedingly detrimental effect some 2 Live Crew rap lyrics have had on the morals of our youth. He could not repeat any of the lyrics because of House decorum. However, he read an article on that subject by George Will, using substitute medical words. Having heard what had been published by 2 Live Crew, I was dumbfounded that so many condone it in the name of the First Amendment.

In the interest of decency, such gory smut must be kept from young impressionable minds. It seems a way of life for today’s youth to the seek the “forbidden apple.” I applaud the actions being taken in Florida. I appeal to our national leaders to follow suit and do what is needed to bolster decency and moral values.

The leaders of our country and the molders of public opinion have an obligation to use their power wisely. “One nation, under God, with freedom and justice for all.”

HARRY E. TERRELL JR.

Santa Ana Heights