E-mail from Cannon Campaign

Editorial note: I will post any campaign e-mails I receive. I didn't realize pornography was such a big issue, but I may be wrong in my Happy Valley Bubble.

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Pornography can distort and forever alter people's minds and emotional well being. And it is increasingly clear that pornography is not a "victimless" vice -- it is most certainly a factor in the growing threat internet predators present to our communities and our families.

For too long, federal courts have been creating a dangerous climate for our children by overturning important decisions by state courts to restrict pornography consumption and distribution within their borders.

I have recently introduced legislation that will allow states to combat pornography by limiting the ability of federal courts to reverse state court decisions as to what is obscene material.

The bill states that "no court created by Act of Congress shall have jurisdiction, and the Supreme Court shall have no appellate jurisdiction, to hear or decide a question of whether a State pornography law imposes a constitutionally invalid restriction on the freedom of expression."

The point of all this legalese is simple: We in Utah should be able to decide for ourselves what is acceptable and what is not for our families to see, hear, and be exposed to on the internet -- without having a federal judge overruling us and allowing smut peddlers to hide behind a constitutional right intended to protect speech, not harmful and dangerous trash.

Congress has always made clear that it can limit the jurisdiction of the federal courts, starting with the very first Judiciary Act of 1789. In fact, Article III, Section 1, clause 1, of the Constitution provides that "the judicial Power of the United States, shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish."

In 2002, the Supreme Court ruled that the ban of "virtual" child pornography was unconstitutional.

For links to news articles regarding this bill and others, please click here.

Battling pornography is something that is necessary and right. There is such a thing as right and wrong. My legislation, fully within the power of Congress, will keep the right to protect our families from the ravages of pornography in the hands of our state courts.

For more information on how you can help me continue this fight in Congress, please go to my website at www.chriscannon.com

Sincerely,
Chris Cannon