Good morning everyone,

My name is Michelle Hohmeier and I live in Arnold. Im writing today because I will be unable to attend the meeting this evening, but wanted to express my views on the restrictions of the pornography store hours. I understand the pretense in which this legislation is being considered, and am whole-heartedly against pornography and its destructive influence in our society. However, I also love liberty and freedom, which this ordinance would abridge. I appreciate the stance of all Christians (as I am one), but we need to be mindful of the mission on which the Lord has sent us. We are to lead unbelievers to Jesus. I believe the best way of doing this is by being a living example in this world, not by forcing our beliefs on them, for our ways are not their ways. They look at the Gospel message as folly and foolishness. If we want to eventually rid Jefferson County of the pornography stores, then it is our duty as Christians to educate those who frequent the businesses in the evils of pornography. When we are able to do this, we not only close the stores, we also save souls. But this is also an issue of liberty. As legislators, you were elected to protect the liberties of everyone in the county, whether or not you feel what they do is offensive. Liberty is a difficult issue for most people to appreciate in its fullest. Liberty is often treasured when it applies to the usurpations by our federal government, but not even considered when the majority views something as offensive. We must protect and defend her at all levels of government. I understand you have the concerns of the people in your districts to worry about, but remember, this is a Constitutional Republic, not a democracy. You are in a unique position where you must listen to the majority, and at the same time protect the minority. To act on legislation simply because the people want it does not make it wise legislation. The rule of law (i.e. the Constitution) was set to protect the people from the government, but also to protect the people from one another. We do not have the right to restrict another from earning a living, to pursue his happiness. Although pornography is not illegal, I understand its repercussions. But can we not look at the sale of alcohol or cigarettes in the same manner. As a country, we have attempted to restrict the sale of such items in the past and we all know the outcome of that effort. I believe by restricting the sale of pornographic items, we will simply send the industry underground. Do we really want that? There will be no control whatsoever and people, including children, will find ways to get what they want. We have that problem with drugs right now.

I also understand this ordinance would only apply to new stores opening in our area. This also goes against the idea of liberty, as we should not apply a different set of rules to the same business. That is restricting the liberty of the new businesses. As we, as a county, cannot go against state law, why not simply mirror state law? If you must regulate them to appease the masses, then why not restrict their ability to visibly display their goods? I actually have a store just up the street from my home, but most people arent the wiser. The name does not indicate what they sell and their outside door opens to an inner sanctuary before entering the store. I want to remind you, I do not believe in pornography, but I also do not believe in restraining liberty. After all, we live in Jefferson County, named after one of the wisest and greatest patriots of liberty known to this nation. Please act in accordance to a semblance of what our namesake would wish. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Michelle Hohmeier