Off By One

It’s a good sign, if you ask me, when your christmas gift comes with a letter like this one (boldface text highlighted by Matt):

As requested in a letter from your client, Mr. Chris Staros, dated October 3, 2006, please be advised that I have now completed my review of the goods, namely a boxed set of three graphic novels, entitled Lost Girls. The three graphic novels were reviewed in full, and were found not to fall within the provisions of Customs Tariff item 9899.00.00.

This boxed set was found to contain depictions and descriptions of incest and bestiality, which are indicators of obscenity under current Canada Border Services Agency guidelines. However, these depictions and descriptions are integral to the development of an intricate, imaginative and artfully rendered storyline. When considering the “internal necessities” test, it appears that, in this instance, the portrayal of sex is necessary to a wider artistic and literary purpose. As a result, it is my opinion that this boxed set does not constitute obscenity.

The boxed set was also found to contain depictions and descriptions of sexual acts involving persons under the age of 18. However, it would appear that these representations serve a legitimate purpose related to art and to the very detailed story about the sexual awakening and development of the three main female characters. Furthermore, it is my opinion that this item does not pose an undue risk of harm to persons under the age of 18 years. As a result, it is my opinion that this boxed set does not constitute child pornography.

As the boxed set entitled Lost Girls does not constitute obscenity or child pornography, it does not fall within the provisions of tariff item 9899.00.00. Its importation into Canada is therefore allowed.

I’ve already read the “boxed set entitled Lost Girls,” and it’s pretty impressive. Good writing, although it could have done without the last page and a half of book three, which was just wankery of a different sort, if you ask me, but other than that it was a lot better than I expected. It really was erotica, as opposed to pornography.

I would recommend it, but… well, truth be told I’m not sure many of you reading this would enjoy it. It’s pretty bent in some places, and really does have to be read in its entirety to appreciate it.

Nothing on internet censorship (note: If you’re on a Canadian ISP and reading this, there are now sites blocked for all Canadians. Right now they’re kiddie porn only… but it’s a short step from that to deciding other sites are objectionable and blockable. Your ISP — the one you pay to provide you with internet access — is doing this. Respond as you will).

What I’m actually posting on is an excellent interview with Maynard James Keenan (of Tool) at the Onion AV Club.

The quote that really got me is this one:

All I can do is say I smell a rat. I don’t know where it is or what kind of rat it is, but as an artist, I can express how [I feel about it]. But I couldn’t responsibly stand up and tell people which way to go, because then I’m just as guilty as the people who are telling everybody else what to do and where to go.

He’s quite a guy, one with whom I’ve no doubt that I could argue for days.