Linda Chavez’ heavy-handed condemnation of the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision to strike down a provision of the 1996 Telecommunications Act (“Coming soon to your TV: Smut,” Commentary, May 25) is yet another example of the desire to “dumb down” society to the level of a child. Although I agree that children should not be exposed to pornographic materials via the TV, it is ultimately the parents’ responsibility to restrict access to these programs, not that of the government or the cable company.
Cable access is a service that is purchased by choice, it is not forced into anyone’s home. If an adult wants to watch the Playboy Channel or any other “prurient” programming in the afternoon, he should not be restricted from doing so because of someone else’s children.
