One big mistake we make as voters is to assume that our vote doesn't count. This is especially true for those of us out on the West Coast who see "results" posted for national elections on television when our local polls aren't even yet closed. Another big mistake made is in thinking that efforts and campaigns made on the national level won't come home to roost and affect us at the state, county or local level — but they most definitely do. Even during times of campaign, local candidates and politicians seek to curry favor with local voters by emulating the opinions of presidential candidates on the home front. Heavy issues and topics — often including promises made about/against adult entertainment businesses — are seen reflected in local ballots.
Following the campaign trail is essential for anyone who runs an adult business — either on the Web or brick-and-mortar. It is the perfect opportunity to take the political temperature of those vying for the White House, and get a glimpse of what may come during their tenure. Of course, a full investigation should be conducted in order to see the "big picture," but this article will address a few of the "sharper" points discovered about each of the candidates and their parties' positions and records.
RED
On John McCain's own website he takes the gloves off and shows his hand to the adult industry by stating that while he believes the Internet to be "freedom of expression, information sharing, and the spread of knowledge and commerce," he also agrees with the typical Republican outlook on adult content and uses the "Protecting Children from Internet Pornography" stance. The site shows that McCain has "been a leader in pushing legislation through Congress" that would "restrict access to sexually explicit material." From these statements — and if you were able to make it through his statement on plans to overturn Roe v. Wade without throwing your computer — it becomes apparent that the McCain administration would be "more of the same" for the adult industry; another Bush/Cheney term in office in essence.
Further proof on McCain's belief in Internet restrictions for those that don't remember his record in Arizona, is in an article posted on Wired.com which highlights the Senator's efforts to find "a new way to cordon off Internet porn." The amendment McCain was proposing contained "the same language as the Children's' Internet Protection Act", which McCain introduced in January 1999, and was so broad that it prompted other senators to say that it "went too far." But in all fairness, this was back in 1999 and 2000 when many concerned citizens worried openly about the "evils" of the Internet — perhaps his opinion has evolved in the past eight years?
Nope. In an article posted on the Catholics United for the Faith webblog in July 2008, McCain was interviewed and pointedly asked about his thoughts on the government "assisting in the protection of families, children, and communities from predatory graphic and highly sexualized images." His response? The article says that McCain "agreed that technology has increased the threat of pornography and related evils" and that he took on the more "popular" issues of child Internet pornography and related sex trafficking instead of taking general "Internet pornography" on directly.
BLUE
Not much is said about Senator Obama's stance on the adult entertainment industries, which could be a very good thing — or a very bad thing — if his beliefs aren't as liberal as some might assume. The Catholics United for the Faith blog says that McCain wasn't familiar with "Obama's record of not taking a stand against the sex industry" when he was an Illinois State Senator. According to the watchdog group, Obama "refused to support a measure to stop sex businesses from opening near schools or places of worship."
On the outside, this refusal alone would seem to make Obama "friendly" toward, if not supportive, of the adult industries. Despite his public involvement in the Christian church, Obama hasn't made "Internet porn" or "adult entertainment" a part of his campaign — yet. As a result, voters haven't had the opportunity to hear his opinions on such issues that would have an impact upon the adult industries.
In fact, about the only items we can find about the "blue" party are generic and somewhat dated. In a 2000 posting to talk radio host Taylor Marshall's webblog, the idea is discussed that "sex loving Americans stay away from the Republican party" and goes on to recall Paul Cambria speaking at IA2000 about the importance of voting Democratic. How's that for a way-back machine?
So pretty much the industry, as a whole, has had enough experiences with conservative leaders — even pre-Dubya — to know that for the most part, blue is good for business. Still not convinced? According to CampaignMoney.com, Hugh Hefner is! The website charts the infamous Playboy's campaign contributions since 1999 and shows ZERO Republicans on his list. Surely Hef's people thoroughly investigated the politics of both sides, helping him to contribute effectively to the party that would pose the least amount of threat to his successful adult-oriented business.
"PARTY" ON...
As the campaigns and debates heat up, more will be revealed and discussed on the hot-button topic of adult entertainment. However, whether they lean to the "left" or the "right," these folks will be reminded in the coming weeks of the benefits of the adult industry — in one way or another. Perhaps, with a good experience under their belts (pardon the pun), whoever lands in the White House following the November election will be favorable in their actions toward adult businesses in the future.
