McCain Injects Internet Filters into
Presidential Campaign
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) injected the issue of library Internet filers into the presidential campaign December 22 when, following a visit to the area, he criticized the Greenville (S.C.) Public Library for not limiting children’s online access. The Associated Press reported that the nine public computers in the library’s reference room are routinely used by adults to view sexually explicit material.
“I’m very disturbed that a public library receiving public funds is providing children with unlimited, unfettered access to pornographic material on the Internet,” said McCain, who has cosponsored a bill requiring schools and libraries receiving federal e-rate subsidies to install filtering software.
Librarian Phillip Ritter said it is not the library staff’s responsibility to monitor children’s activities, noting that “The parent is the one responsible for the child. The parent is the one who is the ultimate judge and guide for what they have access to.” McCain called Ritter’s argument “absurd,” claiming “most parents are not able to supervise their children outside the home and rely on the sound judgment of others.”
Posted January 3, 2000.
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