Permissive Advertising

Why has there been such an increase in the abduction, rape and murder of small girls? In part, I think it is because of the images advertisers present to us.

A recent column in the Los Angeles times says, "Aside from pornography, children are being dangled as sex objects within the inescapable world of advertising. Recently, Abercrombie & Fitch became embroiled in controversy after it began selling thong underwear for young girls.

"Girls in elementary and middle schools feel pressured to keep up with the sex image of pop star Britney Spears, and retailers are cashing in on the fashion craze."

Pedophiles see this and they receive permission to perform acts that are suggested by the suggestive advertisers. After all, if children are presented as willing sexual objects, a pedophile might reason, why shouldn't he act on his urges?

Whatever happened to advertising codes? For that matter, whatever happened to shame? I wouldn't spend a dime with any company that sexually exploits children and neither should you. I'm Cal Thomas in Washington.