To the editor:

I’ve been following the story of the persecution of the adult bookstore on Massachusetts Street. The shop is inconspicuous and you hardly notice it driving down the street and certainly can’t see it driving down Vermont Street. So, what’s the problem?

Are the police called frequently for disturbances? No! Do underage kids try to enter? No! They wouldn’t even be aware of the place if it weren’t for nosy adults. As far as property values diminishing, what nonsense. I live on Vermont Street not far away. If this were true, try using that as an argument to get your property taxes lowered and listen to how hard they laugh at the courthouse.

The City Commission changed the zoning after the owner started doing business. This was done to pacify a few self-righteous people whose intention was only to force their so-called morals on others.

I’ll tell you what’s a real hypocrisy. I attended Lied Center productions and each time have to run a gauntlet of Fred Phelps’ family members carrying their filthy, hateful “God Hates Fags” signs. I don’t hear the self-righteous moralists condemning this. Tell me which is more repulsive and offensive, Fred Phelps or someone unobtrusively selling sexually oriented material?

Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your sense of morality. Leave that business owner alone to conduct his business. Too many of our freedoms are already being violated.

Craig Tucker,

Lawrence