the best of the worst, part 2: updated 3 may

i'm grading again, which means you have the lovely fortune of reading the best worst comments in their papers (the topic is morality and decriminalization prostitution, drugs, and pornography):

[my favorite]: "Pornography to me is a great thing. Because it doesn't hurt anybody and it brings many people pleasure"

"people know that prostitution is illegal, and if they silicate, their personal lives may come into question" [silicate: Any of numerous compounds containing silicon, oxygen, and one or more metals; a salt of silicic acid.]

"Again, it can never be determined what pornography is being used for."

"It is hard to define what a drug is because yes, it alters your mood, but so do millions of other things, like an argument with a family member; yet an argument is not a drug."

"Legitimate people work hard to go through college, get a good paying job to support themselves and a family, yet, they get robbed of their earnings at tax time. Then on the other hand, we have prostitutes and other sex workers that are engaging in illegal activity that get to keep their money "tax free"! [the author then goes on to claim that prostitutions should be legalized]

"This is quite paradoxical due to the fact that our government is steadfast about the idea of separation of church and state. This just seems paradoxical to me."

"If prostitution was to be made legal, and the prostitutes were monitored as in Nevada, why not make it legal? It is a good way for single mothers who do not have a male figure in their life to support themselves."

"My opinion on the matter [pornography] is that if you are one of those people who are repulsed by pornography, do not watch it. If you like it, enjoy."

"The moral issues with prostitution are endless, but never mind them." [remember: the assignment was to talk about morality and the criminal issue...]

"For example, my roommate and her boyrfriend of two months broke up over the physical need he had to always have his hand on her. In spite the independent woman that she is, she dealt with the smothering. Who wouldn't when your dinner was bought for you every night and you received at least two gifts of high quality each week. She prostituted her girlfriend status for presents." [Congrats, the woman's movement has officially ended.]