When Volunteering Isn’t Voluntary

Byjbp

This was originally posted on PoodleRose on July 23, 2013. Comments have not been migrated.

British Prime Minister David Cameron has called on internet service providers in Britain to limit access to internet porn sites in an effort to “protect our children and their innocence.” CNN.com reports that “service providers and other Web companies are participating voluntarily.” But this “voluntary” participation is  being motivated by veiled threats.

Cameron “has called Google and other search companies into meetings, demanding they do more to hide porn from children… [emphasis added].” When a government official–let alone the Prime Minister–makes a demand, there is a clear implication. And the implication is: or else. And the “or else” means edicts and prohibitions. There is nothing voluntary about the reaction of the internet companies.

Like many politicians, Cameron is presenting his coercive agenda under the guise of protecting children. Besides perverts and pedophiles, who could possibly be opposed to protecting children from smut peddlers? Unfortunately, it is under the banner of protecting children that adults often “voluntarily” sacrifice their freedom.

Similar Posts

  • Exacerbating the Problem

    ByBrian Phillips

    Progressive Regressive “journalist” Patrick Range McDonald informs us that renters paid a total of $512 billion to landlords in 2019. This, he wants us to believe, is evidence of “corporate landlord greed.” Certainly, that’s a lot of money. However, it proves nothing other than McDonald’s inability to consider the full context. In doing so, he…

  • Loneliness and Altruism

    Byjbp

    In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a report titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.” The report found that nearly half of American adults experience “measurable levels of loneliness.” This topic was discussed at a Jefferson Dinner I recently attended. Being a member of a community of people who share our interests, goals, or…

  • Is Deflation Really Bad?

    ByBrian Phillips

    Financial analysts are issuing warnings about the deflation that is occurring in China. In November, consumer prices fell .5 percent, the largest decline in three years. CNN reports that deflation is bad because consumers and businesses may delay purchases in the hope that prices decline further. But is deflation really bad? Deflation means a general…

  • | |

    California Moves to Austin

    ByBrian Phillips

    For years, Californians have been fleeing the state’s outrageously high taxes and draconian regulations. Many have settled in Texas, where both taxes and business regulations are generally less onerous. Interestingly, the Texas state capital, Austin, will soon become an unofficial part of California. A report by Zillow finds that, by the end of this year,…

  • Cascading Victims

    ByBrian Phillips

    In March, the government began forcing businesses to close in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Not surprisingly, unemployment has soared, and many businesses are threatened with extinction. Equally unsurprising is government’s response–throw money at the victims it created. Government will soon be sending individuals money and providing loans and other financial…